Ivana Kupala (Kupala Night) is one of the most beautiful summer holidays in Ukraine. Under the new church calendar it is celebrated on 24 June (Kupala Night falls on 23–24 June); under the old style it is 7 July. It is a celebration of sun, water and fire, flower wreaths, songs and the search for the magical fern flower. Below are short Kupala wishes, messages for your loved one and friends, wishes in your own words, poems and card greetings.
Read about the rituals and folk beliefs in our article on Ivana Kupala traditions. Another summer holiday is Trinity, and for romantic messages see our Valentine’s Day wishes.
Short Ivana Kupala wishes
- Happy Ivana Kupala! May the Kupala fire keep you warm and the water give you strength.
- Happy Kupala Night! I wish you to find your fern flower — happiness, love and luck.
- Happy Kupala! May your wreath float to where your destiny awaits.
- Happy feast of summer and sun! Warmth, light and joy to you.
Wishes for your loved one
- My love, happy Ivana Kupala! You are my fern flower, the happiness I found.
- Darling, happy holiday! May our love burn brighter than the Kupala bonfire.
- Happy Kupala, my sunshine! I only want to jump over the fire holding your hand.
For friends and family
- Friends, happy Ivana Kupala! May this summer be warm, fun and full of good news.
- Mom, happy Kupala Night! May our home always be bright and cosy, like a summer evening.
- Happy Kupala! Wishing you health as pure as spring water and strength like the summer sun.
Wishes in your own words
The best greeting is short and sincere. Recall a summer evening you spent together, wish the person what they dream of and add a Kupala image: a wreath, fire, water or the fern flower. For example: “Happy Ivana Kupala! I remember us floating wreaths on the river last summer. May your wishes come true as easily as our wreaths floated away.”
Ivana Kupala poems
On Kupala’s magic night
The sun sleeps in the river bright.
May this night bring you delight
And keep your future warm and light!
A little wreath floats down the stream,
It carries every secret dream.
May life be bright as summer days
And Kupala warm you with its rays!
Card wishes
- Light, warmth and Kupala miracles!
- May you find your fern flower!
- Happy feast of sun, water and fire!
Flowers for Ivana Kupala
Kupala is the season of wildflowers, so a light chamomile bouquet or a tender arrangement for your beloved is a perfect choice. They recall the wreaths woven on Kupala Night.

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More options in our chamomiles section.

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FAQ
When is Ivana Kupala celebrated?
Under the Revised Julian calendar — on 24 June, with Kupala Night on 23–24 June. Under the old style — on 7 July.
How to wish someone a happy Kupala?
With a short wish of light, warmth and love, a poem or a card with a wreath or a fern flower.
What to give on Kupala?
A bouquet of wildflowers or chamomiles, a flower wreath or a romantic bouquet for your loved one.
On 24 June men named Ivan celebrate — Ivan name day wishes.
Summer begins on 1 June — first day of summer wishes.
Birthday
Hydrangeas