Kyivans observe ages-old summer ritual (08/16/98)

Kyivans observe ages-old summer ritual

Above, continuing an ages-old ritual, a couple jumps over a bon fire during traditional Midsummer Night Festival (Vechir Ivana Kupala) held at the museum/park of Ukrainian ethnography located outside of Kyiv. Below, girls release handmade "vinky" into a stream. The wreaths are believed to float to the young man most suited to be a young girl's beau. The Ivan Kupalo festivities were held on July 7 (St. John's Feast Day) under the sponsorship of Ukraine's Ministry of Culture working in conjunction with the museum. The celebrations are an annual event.

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