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UNIAN remembered everything you need to know about Epiphany bathing.
UNIAN recalled that the tradition of the holiday of Epiphany carries health risks / UNIAN

January 19, Orthodox Ukrainians celebrate one of the greatest Christian holidays – Lord’s Epiphany. One of the main traditions of this day are the Epiphany bathing – believers are immersed in the ice or open water to gain spiritual and physical strength.

UNIAN recalled the history of the main traditions of the Epiphany bathing, and in addition, found out who swim in the ice-hole on Epiphany is contraindicated.

Read takjikistan 2019: history and holiday traditions (video)

The story of Epiphany bathing

The tradition of bathing in the conditions of winter frosts is rooted in pre-Christian times. So, the nomadic tribes of Scythians who lived on the territory of Ukraine in VIII – IV centuries BC, there was a tradition to dip in cold water babies. The ancient Slavs believed to have kept the tradition of winter swimming on the day of the God Veles – vodokras.

The Christian rite of bathing on Epiphany originated as a tribute to the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan. According to Scripture, at the time of bathing on Jesus the Holy Spirit came down, and the Lord revealed to him his true essence – of the son of God.

According to Orthodox tradition, the day of the baptism of water acquires miraculous properties – it cleanses the soul from sins, grant health and physical strength. The divine power of water, at the same time protects the believer from risk to suffer from hypothermia.


According to Orthodox tradition, the day of the baptism of water acquires miraculous properties / UNIAN

The Church also does swimming in the cold a mandatory rite for every believer. Moreover, the Church underlines that the idea of “cleansing from sin” with the help of swimming contrary to the gospel.

The tradition of bathing on Epiphany

The feast of Epiphany in Russia it was decided to prepare in advance – to seek a safe place to dive and hack on the ice than Russian-“Jordan” was already a week before the holiday.

In the day of the Baptism was made in the morning to ignite large bonfires near the water, where it was planned to carry out bathing.

After the morning Church services the faithful in procession walked to the hole. The procession was led by a priest, he was carrying the cross and icons. After the priest has performed the rite of consecration of the water, and dipped the cross into the reservoir, people began bathing.

Located in the hole sought, especially those who have sinned at Christmas. Some showed so daring, or just tempered. Those who did not want to swim, the priest sprinkled Holy water.


Those who did not want to swim at the Baptism, the priest sprinkled Holy water / Unioncom you cannot swim at the Baptism?

Swimming in icy water may be hazardous to health. Particularly at risk are children and people over 45 years who have no such experience. Doctors strongly suggest to those who want to swim in the ice hole at the Baptism, to consult a specialist.

Immersion in ice water is always a serious stress for the cardiovascular system, which can lead to spasm of blood vessels or sudden pressure rise.

For this reason, the Epiphany bathing is not compatible with Smoking and alcohol, which only increase the pressure on the blood vessels.

It is not recommended to swim in the hole for those who suffer from hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes, rheumatism, renal failure and diseases of the urinary system.

The baptism of 2019 – where to swim?

Safe Baptism 2019: tips for swimming in the hole

For those who still want to test themselves, it is recommended to bathe in specially equipped places safe in the presence of medical and rescue workers.

UNIAN reported earlier that this year for the celebration of Baptism has 12 locations. Each of them on 19 January from 07:00 to 21:00 will be on duty rescuers and will work in medical facilities.