Na Ivana Kupala Kupavsya Ivan: A Midsummer Ukrainian Folk Song to Send Energy to the Sun

Above are 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). 

I love the powerful harmonies in the refrain! I’m teaching this European folk song in my upcoming class “Praise the Sun and Turn the Wheel,” taking place on Solstive eve and day! Learn more here.

Lyrics:

Na Ivana Kupala (On Ivana Kupala) 

Kupavs’ya Ivan (Ivan was bathing)

Ivane, Ivane! Hu! (Ivan, Ivan! Hu!)

Da kupavs’ya Ivan (Ivan was bathing)

T a y na dno porynav (He dove to the bottom)

Ivane, Ivane! Hu! (Ivan, Ivan! Hu!)