Summer Holidays in Russia

How did people in Russia live during the summer – and what did they fear at this time? What holidays were there in the summer folk calendar? How did they tell fortunes with wreaths on Trinity? Why did they light fires and jump over them on Ivan Kupala?

Summer in the folk calendar did not begin on the date we are used to: its start depended on Trinity, and it ended on August 2, on Ilia's Day. During this short time, people tried to live in harmony with nature and protect future harvests. Therefore, the holidays were not only about fun, but also about important rituals and prohibitions.

The book will tell you how summer was welcomed and sent off in Russia from Trinity to Ilia's Day. You will learn why houses were decorated with grass and birch branches, circles were danced, wreaths were woven and fortunes were told, and medicinal herbs were gathered. You will also get acquainted with the traditions of Kupala night.