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First weekend of July.
The name ‘Night of Kupala’ comes from the word ‘kupalo’, which in the East means ‘bathing in water’. This shortest night was an occasion for various rituals, fortune-telling and magic. In particular ways, the connection between man and nature has been emphasised. This night, according to the tradition, all nature is immersed in a might and vital impulse. It is a feast of welcome to the summer, love and fertility, with cleansing rituals of fire and water. It is believed that the spirits of dead and extra-terrestrial, demonic beings journey throughout the Earth. Divine energies of strength enter the human bodies, particularly of young people, and in crease their capacity of love, fertility and child birth. The tradition allowed for a loose love games. It was a time of dancing. Women would form circles around the bonfire in the places important for the group - the Holy Places. Usually, those were mountains, hills and meadows in the middle of the forest. High fires were set. The virgins were floating their wreaths down the river. Young boys would show off by jumping above the flames. Bialowieza - ideal place for those, who want to experience this unforgettable night. In the neighbourhood of the Forest, royal aurochs, far from the city. Excellent entertainment at the folk music and in the light of full moon. Beginning - late evening hours, meeting at the PTTK parking /performance of the folk groups - vocal, instruments, choirs from all Poland and White Russia/. Walk towards the river, floating wreaths down the Narewka river, for the brave - search for the crock of gold in Bialowieski Forest. The fun goes all through the night, with the accompaniment of a professional music band. Night at the Hotel Bialowieski. |
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