UA Embassy in U.S. calls pagan Ivan Kupala holiday “symbol of Ukraine”

Promotion of paganism by Ukrainian diplomats. Photo: Facebook page of the Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S.

Promotion of paganism by Ukrainian diplomats. Photo: Facebook page of the Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S.

The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States published a Facebook post presenting the pagan Ivan Kupala holiday as part of Ukraine's cultural heritage and inviting readers to explore its traditions.

In the post, the diplomatic mission calls Ivan Kupala one of the “symbols of Ukraine,” encouraging the audience to learn about its rituals – jumping over fire, weaving wreaths, and floating them on water. Notably, in Ukraine, Ivan Kupala has always been celebrated on the night of July 7. However, the embassy gives a new date – June 24, apparently shifting it in line with the transition of the OCU and the UGCC to the Revised Julian Church calendar.

As the UOJ reported, the pagan holiday of Kupala was celebrated on the seashore in Odesa.

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