Juhannus (or Ivanov's Day) - so in Finland we call the famous holiday of Ivan Kupala. In terms of scale, it is second only to Christmas, and in this connection it received the unofficial name Kesyayulu (summer Christmas). For Finns, Juhannus is a favorite holiday, when you can have fun from the heart, forgetting everything.

By the scale of Juhannus is second only to Christmas, and therefore received the unofficial name Kesyayulu (summer Christmas). For Finns, this is a favorite holiday, when you can have fun from the heart, forgetting about everything.

The holiday has its roots deep in pagan times. In ancient times he was called Ukon yukhla in honor of the Finnish god of fire. The modern name is the ancient interpretation of the name of John the Baptist, according to the church calendar, it is this saint who is worshiped on the days of the summer solstice.

On this day it is customary to kindle huge bonfires, driving away evil spirits: on the night of Juhannus, evil forces are especially strong. The only way to protect oneself from them is the light of a bright flame and loud noise. And the Finns gladly support the fire all night long, lead round dances, sing and dance.

The fire is made to breed, starting from small fires and gradually moving to a huge fireplace, called Ukkokokko. So, moving like a string of cobwebs, the fire gathered in the center, rising skyward.

In Finland it is not customary to celebrate an ancient holiday in the city. All people try to get out on the nature in the company of relatives and friends. The brightest celebrations take place in ancient villages. It is interesting that Finns buy in Yuhannus at times more alcohol than in other holidays. The distant ancestors did not consider it reprehensible to drink, glorifying the forces of nature, and at the same time preparing for agricultural work (they just begin after the holiday.)

The same night they open the swimming season, first taking out the boats waiting for their hour, and then arranging collective bathing. By the night of Ivanovo, the lake water has time to warm up, so adults and children are in a hurry to dip themselves,

Juhannus is a mysterious night, you can get answers to your questions, find out what awaits a person in the future. Lonely girls on the feast naked can run three times a field, sown with cereals, and, while they run, may dream of their suitors. And to see the face of the future elect, the girls collect nine different herbs in the forest and put them under the pillow.