Rusalka
Kupala and Kostroma were siblings who unknowingly fell in love—a tragic trap set by the gods. When the truth emerged, Kostroma drowned herself, and Kupala threw himself into the fire. Pitying them, the gods reunited the lovers as the Ivan-da-Marya flower: its petals are half flame-orange and half deep-water violet.
While the lovers stayed on land, the lakes became home to Rusalkas. These spirits of eternal spring emerge during Rusalka Week from the waters of the melted Snow Maiden. Unlike the tailed mermaids of European bestiaries, Slavic Rusalkas have legs and are closer to Greek nymphs. This enchanting bond between the flower and the lake is captured on the Sirinbird silk scarf.
