Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The beginning verses of “Na Ivana Kupala, Kupavsya Ivan,” or “На Івана Купала купався Іван.” A Ukrainian song for Midsummer, from the Chernihiv region. This song tells a story that takes place on Saint John’s Day, or Midsummer. In Ukraine, this holiday has typically been celebrated in early July, in accordance with St. John the Baptist’s feast day in the Julian calendar. Usually called “Ivana Kupala” or “Ivan Kupala” (literally, “John bathes”), this holiday used to be a common part of village life, with songs like these being a part of the festivities. Like many Midsummer songs, “Na Ivana Kupala” has been used in communal circle dances, the clockwise movements of which are meant to send energy to the sun (since her power is about to be on the wane).
Learn this song with me in my upcoming virtual weekend of Midsummer songs and ceremony! We’ll explore a moving variety of folk ballads, chants, parts songs and more that connect us to this ancient holiday and its animist and pagan roots!
Our classes take place on June 20th and 21st (Solstice eve and day). All sessions will be recorded and available for immediate playback, and you can drop in as you’re available to enjoy the songs. Supplemental materials, including pronunciation guides and parts recordings will be supplied for any non-English or layered songs.
Learn more at linktr.ee/songspeaksaro
The beginning verses of “Na Ivana Kupala, Kupavsya Ivan,” or “На Івана Купала купався Іван.” A Ukrainian song for Midsummer, from the Chernihiv region. This song tells a story that takes place on Saint John’s Day, or Midsummer. In Ukraine, this holiday has typically been celebrated in early July, in accordance with St. John the Baptist’s feast day in the Julian calendar. Usually called “Ivana Kupala” or “Ivan Kupala” (literally, “John bathes”), this holiday used to be a common part of village life, with songs like these being a part of the festivities. Like many Midsummer songs, “Na Ivana Kupala” has been used in communal circle dances, the clockwise movements of which are meant to send energy to the sun (since her power is about to be on the wane).
Learn this song with me in my upcoming virtual weekend of Midsummer songs and ceremony! We’ll explore a moving variety of folk ballads, chants, parts songs and more that connect us to this ancient holiday and its animist and pagan roots!
Our classes take place on June 20th and 21st (Solstice eve and day). All sessions will be recorded and available for immediate playback, and you can drop in as you’re available to enjoy the songs. Supplemental materials, including pronunciation guides and parts recordings will be supplied for any non-English or layered songs.
Learn more at linktr.ee/songspeaksaro
