Jump Through the Fire

 

While preparing a post for this blog on the Metallica song, Jump in the Fire (see 4 December 2024), I came across information about the annual Ivana Kupala (Ivan the Battler/John the Baptist) Festival held in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the Baltic States on the 6th and 7^th days of each July. While now considered to have Christian meanings, the Ivana Kupala Festival is a continuation of ancient pagan festivals such as the Celtic Beltane. Jumping over the fire seems to represent purity and cleansing. Cattle were often driven between two fires to protect them from disease.

The Ivana Kupala Festival was originally held during the Summer Solstice, but was moved to John the Baptist’s birthday and Christianized/assimilated by church authorities.

During the festival, people dance around, and jump over, roaring campfires. They then bathe in rivers and lakes to purge themselves of their sins, bring themselves good luck, and ensure their good health. Additionally, couples jump through the flames hand-in-hand to ensure that they will have a happy and prosperous marriage.

Many of the female celebrants wear wreaths made from vines, leaves, and flowers and dress in traditional national clothing.

themoscowtimes.com/archive/jumping-through-fire-at-a-slavic-pagan-festival