Post by JustJohn or JJ on Mar 2, 2019 5:43:41 GMT -7
Night of the Lovers (Slavic Ritual) - Noc Zakochanych
The ancient Slavic ritual - Night of the Lovers, can be compared to the ancient pagan Lupercalia festival. Unlike the Roman festival which took place in the day, the Slavic ritual took place in the shortest night of the year, and was exclusively for the mating of young couples. Kupala Night, Sobotka, St.John's Night, are today the most common names for the event. With the rise of Christianity, pagan rituals got rid of the elements of sexual perversion, intoxication with alcohol and herbs, and got rid of the elements of magic and witchcraft. Only the emotional involvement of young lovers has remained unchanging and accompanying fun, fortune telling and wishful thinking. Songs, dance, joy of new generations, give the old ritual always a new character.
