Function: Incarnation of the god Dažbog, son of the god Simarigl and the goddess Živa. He is the god of the summer solstice, love, abundance, health, and healing herbs. Protector of engaged couples.
Image: Appears as a handsome young man in a white or green shirt with blond hair and green eyes. He usually has a cornucopia in his hands, from which he gives drink to everyone he likes. In her other hand she often holds a bouquet of wildflowers as well as ripe ears of corn.
Symbols: Sun disk, svarga, cornucopia and all kinds of herbs, both magical and sustenance. His number is three and the world side is south.
Sacrifices: Bread, pies, pastries, grinders, hides, seeds, grain, porridge, milk, flowers, ribbons, fruit, honey and kvass. It is sacrificed by being thrown into the flames of a sacred fire or into the waters of streams and lakes.
Holidays: Summer solstice, or John 24.6.
Note: Kupalo blesses the maturation of all living things and binds the hearts of the young with love. His celebrations were exuberant, full of dancing and singing and unrestrained fun, often associated with sexual promiscuity. Ceremonial baths were held at the beginning of summer, and during his feast, large bonfires were lit and jumped over as a sign and prayers for good health. During this holiday, prayers were said for health, good harvest and abundance of everything.
The pair, holding hands, jump over the bonfire dedicated to him and leap over it without letting go; she is considered engaged.
On Kupala, the gates of heaven open, and all prayers fly easily to the gods to Prav and divine Iria. Herbs plucked on this night have great magical power.
