History There are a number of hypotheses on the origin of the word kupaÅ‚a . One of them derives the name from the Vistula Venetis who were most probably absorbed by the neighbouring Slavs. Their language was said to exhibit a certain similarity to Latin (compare the word KupaÅ‚a and the Roman word Cupido ). Another theory refers to the Indo-European kump , which denoted a community or group (that is where contemporary Polish words like kupa (heap) or skupić (to converge) come from). It was to stress the community or social nature of these rituals. Another hypothesis is connected with the alleged Slavonic deity of love and fertility — KupaÅ‚a. Finally, the last refers to the Russian word form of kÄ…pać (to bathe). The association of Midsummer Night rituals with bathing is most probably quite late; in the Middle Ages church officials decided to assimilate immoral pagan customs, having failed to suppress them. That was when John the Baptist was announced the patron of
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