Kupala Day part two

Girls dance around the birch tree and sing. The boys make "raids" on this dance of trying to snatch birch. Then the guy who snatched up the birch tree should run to the river, where he is waiting for the others. On the bank of the river people break off pieces of birch twigs and store them as a symbol of fertility. Then the tree should be thrown on the water. Then people throw wreaths of flowers and blessed herbs in water. After that they begin to swim. In the evening all go to the fire. A girl should burn the fire. From this point the festivity begins. People ask riddles, walk with masks, sing songs and play games.

When the fire burned, the girls begin to choose a boyfriend. The girl slaps the guy on the shoulder and runs away. The guy should catch her. Then the couple holds hands and jumps over the fire. If during a jump hands will not disband then the pair is compiled. If the pair is not compiled they start begin with other partners. After all pairs are completed they have lavish feast. Then in the night, light the wooden wheel and wheel it to the water. Then in the night, set fire to a wooden wheel and wheel it to the water. On the bank of the river the couples exchanged garlands. After that they put his garland on the raft of twigs and straws and put it on the water. Then naked couples swim and make love. Singles are going at the campfire and protect the holiday from the robbers and evil spirits.

There is a legend that if someone finds this night blooming fern he or she will gain incredible power. It is a real challenge because the fern don’t bloom.