Kupala day is the longest of the year, Kupala Night the shortest – it was one ceaseless passage of joy, song, leaping, and rites. The festival usually starts at evening, when people prepare bonfires near the shores, prepare food (usually sea food, as a gifts from the Mistress of the Waters). When sun sets, bonfires are lighted and people start celebratong Kupala Night.
It was first and foremost a celebration of water and fire. There was dancing and singing around the fires, while leaping across them was meant to ensure purification and protect against evil. Girls make wreaths from flowers and herbs, which they then cast into the river. If the ones fished out by boys found their original owner, the two would become a couple. More was permitted than usual on this night, which often led to sexual initiation.
In the underwater cities and villages, Kupala Night is celebrated with lights and flowers or corals, with a huge feast to celebrate theis giving and protecting goddess Kupala.
Celebrated deities: Купала // Kupala, Лада // Lada, Сварог // Svarog (here, as the god of fire)