The Baptism of the Lord is one of the greatest church holidays. On this day, the water is traditionally blessed and symbolically cleansed of sins.
Every year, Orthodox believers celebrate a big holiday – the Baptism of the Lord. On this day, the Son of God Jesus Christ received the sacrament of baptism in the Jordan River.
It is believed that the water in the hole on Epiphany is sacred and can purify souls and bodies, as well as cure any disease.
Therefore, many people swim in the hole on this holiday.
It is worth noting that the Baptism of the Lord has one date in all Christian denominations – January 6th. But the Orthodox Church celebrates it in the old style – January 19th. This year it falls on a Thursday.
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Epiphany 2023: history, traditions, rules for swimming in the hole
history of the holiday
Epiphany is considered one of the oldest Christian holidays. It has been celebrated since the time of the apostles. People believe that at the age of thirty, Jesus Christ came to John the Baptist to baptize him in the Jordan River. John considered himself unworthy of such an honor, but Jesus said it was God’s will. So John performed the Sacrament and received for this the nickname of the Baptist.
In this ritual, the Holy Spirit descends from heaven to earth in the form of a dove. He confirmed that Jesus is the Son of God. Then Jesus sanctified the waters of the Jordan River, showing that all are equal before God – even the Savior himself.
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Epiphany 2023: history, traditions, rules for swimming in the hole
Holiday traditions
Bathing in the hole is considered by many priests to be a pagan tradition. The Bible doesn’t say anything about it either. In addition, there is no such custom in other Christian countries, only in Ukraine and Russia.
On the eve of Epiphany on January 18, a strict fast is observed, lenten dishes are placed on the table. Be sure to cook kutya and dumplings with cabbage. On Epiphany itself, they attend a service. Unmarried women on this day predict their lover.
Image: YouTube
Epiphany 2023: history, traditions, rules for swimming in the hole
On January 19, people dived into the hole. At the same time, experts recommend preparing for it – tempering since summer.
It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol after such a bath. Experts advise drinking hot tea, as well as wrapping yourself in a warm towel and wearing dry warm clothes.
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Source: korrespondent
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