Birch Festival in Russia

The second festival of Four Seasons Day is Birch Festival, which is June 24th every year in the Russian calendar. Birch Festival originated from the ancient summer solstice festival. The summer solstice is celebrated on June 22nd, when the sun reaches the highest point in the sky. This festival is full of sun worship. In rural areas, summer is not long, and farmers have worked hard for a spring. When they have a little leisure, they should celebrate. Folk celebrations embody the worship of fire and water. People wear holiday costumes and garlands, singing and dancing around the bonfire. Some people jump down from the bonfire or burn old clothes to eliminate disasters and evil spirits, strengthen the body and get rid of diseases. People also threw birch branches and sacrifices into the lake to pray for the gods to bless the harvest. The girls put the lighted candles on the corolla and put them into the river. Whoever lights candles for the longest time is considered to be the happiest person in the future. They also predict their marriage according to the direction in which the wreath floats. In ancient times, when Russia celebrated the summer solstice, it also went to the forest to find two small birch trees that were close together as sacrifices. Some places decorate small birch trees with garlands and ribbons. Later, the Orthodox Church merged the Summer Solstice with the Holy Three Sundays and changed the date to June 24th, because the Orthodox Church commemorated John's birthday on this day. During the festival, the church is decorated with birch branches, and believers also hold birch branches for worship. People also regard this day as a day of mourning, and everyone will go to the grave. During the summer solstice, it is a season of lush vegetation and pleasant climate, and people will hold celebrations outdoors, especially young people. Therefore, during the Soviet period, the summer solstice festival became the Soviet Youth Day. This day cannot be celebrated without birch trees, so it has been called Birch Festival since 1964, or Little Birch Festival in Russia. Birch, as a symbol of Russian nation, has its historical origin. 11-15th century, many ancient Russian documents were carved on birch bark. Many Russian writers have fondly described birch trees. In the eyes of Russians, birch trees are so beautiful and straight. On Birch Festival, every family decorates their rooms with birch branches, cornflowers and bells. There will also be a get-together during the festival. The hostess's name is Xiao Baihua, and there will be a cross-dressing parade. The parade was surrounded by birch trees. Birch trees are everywhere.