Kyiv – Ukraine’s Native Believers (Pagans) were looking for a magic fern flower the night before 21 June 2007.
       They consider that the holiday of Ivana Kupala (the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, which more or
       less coincides with the summer solstice) should be celebrated on 21 June and not 6 July, like the Orthodox do.
       
       Half a month before the generally accepted date, the Native Believers sang Kupala songs, made wreaths, and jumped over a fire.
       For the ancient Slavs the Kupala Night coincided with the summer solstice. It used to be a pagan holiday.
       Only later did it receive Christian coloring and after the Calendar reform it was celebrated on the night of 6-7 July.
       The Native Believers are trying to return to the holiday’s origin.
       
       The rituals were performed on the banks of the River Dnipro in the Kyiv hydropark. All those interested were able
       to participate in the celebrations.
       
       Under the guidance of experienced craftswomen, girls made wreaths of oak leaves and field flowers.
       According to the Native Believers, fire has healing and magic power on Ivana Kupala. Those who jump above it
       on Ivana Kupala will be forgiven their sins and newlyweds will have a happy family life.
       
       
       Source:
       http://5tv.com.ua/newsline/182//41863/