In Renton, the Ukrainian community in Washington State held a charitable celebration of Ivan Kupala, combining ancient Ukrainian traditions with fundraising to support the Ukrainian military. The event took place on a picturesque meadow by the river in Renton and united Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine around culture, folk customs and a common charitable goal.
This was reported by the organizations Divchata Seattle and Ukraine Defense Support.
The participants of the holiday recreated one of the oldest Ukrainian summer rituals. The main symbol of the evening was a traditional wreath, which guests themselves wove from wildflowers and greenery, and then released into the water, wishing for a happy fate. According to ancient Ukrainian belief, it is Kupala night that is the time of fulfillment of desires, purification and unity of man with nature.
The festival program combined folk traditions with a modern charitable format. For the guests, master classes were organized on weaving wreaths and making traditional grass dolls, searching for the legendary fern flower, Ukrainian folk dances, singing, competitions and entertainment for children and adults.
The musical atmosphere was created by Ukrainian performers HraiMore, Iryna Kovalenko and Vasyl Isachenko, who performed folk and modern Ukrainian compositions. Those who wanted could also join a master class on Ukrainian folk dance.
A separate part of the holiday was the Ukrainian fair, where traditional embroidery and vintage Ukrainian products were presented. Guests also tasted homemade pies, kebabs and other traditional Ukrainian dishes, and a professional photographer helped to preserve the brightest moments of the celebration.
A special feature of the event was its charitable component. The organizers announced that 100% of the funds from ticket sales and donations will be directed directly to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine through Ukraine Defense Support.
After the holiday, one of the organizers, Alla Svystun, thanked all the participants for their support.
“Yesterday we celebrated Ivan Kupala together – traditionally, in our own way. But most importantly – through joint efforts we managed to raise funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This proves once again that when we are together, we can do good and important things. We sincerely thank everyone who joined the holiday, supported the collection, helped, donated and was there. Each of your contributions is a part of a great common cause,” stated she.
As the organizers note, the celebration of Ivan Kupala in Renton once again became an example of how the Ukrainian community in the United States preserves national traditions, passes them on to future generations and at the same time unites around supporting Ukraine in the conditions of a full-scale war.
And indeed, the ancient folk holiday has turned into not only a cultural event, but also an effective charitable initiative that helps Ukrainian defenders.
The event was held with the support of such Ukrainian organizations as Volia Fund, Divchata Seattle, and Ukraine Defense Support.
Photo: Alla Svystun
Author: Inna Mikhno