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Post cover image: Ivan Kupala Photoshoot: An Exclusive Photo Project

Ivan Kupala Photoshoot: An Exclusive Photo Project

Date of publication: 21 Nov 2010 | Updated: 24 Feb 2024

If anyone watched the program with me on channel 27, they have already partially seen this photoset and what preceded it. For everyone else, I will tell the story anew.

Before the night of Ivan Kupala, a festival was organized in our city on the Monastery Island. This is an ancient Slavic festival celebrated in honor of the summer solstice, symbolizing the beginning of summer, fertility, and the reverence of nature's forces. On this night, according to beliefs, secret forces are revealed, and water and fire possess a special magical effect.

Let's do own celebration!

The festival was fun: we invited the music group "Haidamaky", as well as people who are fond of ethnic amusements, such as shooting from a real bow and weaving wreaths. However, as a photographer, it was difficult for me to find an artistic angle without random people in the frame, which somewhat destroyed the overall picture of the festival.

Therefore, aiming to capture the true atmosphere of Ivan Kupala, I organized my own festival outside the city. I invited familiar girls who brought with them national Ukrainian costumes. We recreated traditional rituals: weaving wreaths, jumping over the bonfire, symbolizing purification and a new beginning, and festivities filled with laughter and joy.

In this post, you will find photos that convey the spirit of the festival and the beauty of Ukrainian culture. I aimed to show how ancient traditions combine with modernity, coming to life in the joyful faces and bright costumes of the participants.

Sharing

I'm open to the use of photographs posted on my site. Although I do not prohibit their copying and distribution, I would be sincerely grateful if you would acknowledge my authorship and add a link to my site when using them. This not only helps maintain the connection between my works and their source but also promotes the art and culture of mutual respect in the digital content sphere.

I do not prohibit the use of photographs from my site. However, I would be grateful if you would cite my authorship and provide a link to my site when using them.

I invite you to share your impressions and personal stories of Ivan Kupala. How do you celebrate this ancient festival? Do you have any special traditions or moments related to Ivan Kupala?

photo: Dimas Frolov
About the Author

Portrait photographer based on Samui, Thailand.
Originally from Ukraine, he has over 15 years of photography experience taking pictures around Europe and Asia. Multi-Award winner and author of many articles about photography.
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