A June night, bonfires, wreaths floating down the river, and an air of mystery. Kupala Night is undoubtedly the most widely publicized of the Slavic holidays. However, with the growing popularity of native faith and the “folk” movement, a great many inaccuracies have arisen surrounding this event. It’s time to separate folk truth from romantic fantasies.

Here are the biggest myths about Kupala Night that are worth checking out before lighting this year’s Midsummer bonfire.

1. Kupala was a Slavic god of love

This is one of the most enduring myths, repeated even in older textbooks. The truth, however, is less colorful: there is no historical evidence for the existence of a deity named Kupala. Medieval chroniclers, observing folk rituals, often personified their names, creating “gods” out of the names of festivals. The etymology of the word most likely derives from the Indo-European root *kump*, meaning “community,” or from the word “bath” (associated with ritual purification).

2. “Kupala Night” and “Midsummer Night” are exactly the same thing

Although today we use these names almost interchangeably, historically they refer to two different dates on the calendar. Kupala Night (Sobótka) falls on the shortest night of the year (around June 21–22) and has solar roots. St. John’s Night is the eve of St. John’s Day (June 23–24). Unable to eradicate strong pagan traditions, the Church assimilated them by shifting the celebrations and assigning them a Christian patron saint.

3. The fern flower actually existed as a plant

Many seekers of the “Perun flower” overlook its symbolic significance. In Slavic mythology, the fern flower was not a botanical entity, but a metaphor for wisdom, hidden treasure, and enlightenment. According to legend, it appeared only to the righteous, and finding it entailed a tremendous responsibility.

4. It was a festival of unbridled debauchery

The popular image of Kupala Night as a time of chaos is greatly exaggerated. Although it was indeed a night of greater freedom, and young people could form couples without the mediation of matchmakers, the rituals were strictly regulated. It was a time of ritual transition. Jumping over the bonfire or dancing together had a magical and purifying character, not merely an entertaining one.

5. The Slavs celebrated Kupala only deep in the forest

Although the forest and the river provided the natural backdrop, the community was the most important focal point. Bonfires were lit on hills (often called Sobótki), in places visible to the entire settlement. This was not a journey into the unknown, but a grand, public celebration that brought the community together.

Want to experience the energy of the solstice in Gdynia?

Theory is just the beginning—the best way to experience this magic is in practice, by blending traditional symbolism with a contemporary sensibility. At Folkowe Ucho, we don’t do open-air museums or stiff reenactments. Instead of recreating the past, we breathe new life into it by combining folk sounds with today’s energy and urban vibe.

If you’re looking for authentic experiences, high-energy concerts, and workshops that translate tradition into the language of the 21st century, check out the upcoming events for Kupala Night in Gdynia, organized by Folkowe Ucho. It’s here, right by the sea, that we celebrate the shortest night of the year the way we experience it today—loudly, together, and with respect for our roots. You won’t find a better place in the Tri-City to soak up this atmosphere!

Kupala Night is a fascinating celebration of life and the power of nature. Stripping it of the myths that have accumulated over time allows us to appreciate the logic and depth of our ancestors’ beliefs. This June, as we gaze into the fire, let us remember that we are celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.