Bathing in the wood is an ancient ritual that many people in our country perform every year. Soon you will be able to join the favorite Russian tradition, and from this article you will learn when is the best time to do so.

Even though the New Year celebrations are over, the series of holidays is not over yet. According to tradition, on January 19, believers celebrate the great Orthodox holiday of the Epiphany. There are many traditions and rituals associated with this day, and the most popular of them is swimming in an ice hole. Every year, thousands of people take a bath in blessed water to ensure their health and cleanse their souls of sins. We invite you to find out when is the best time to perform the ritual of bathing on Epiphany.

Swimming in an ice hole January 19, 2018

The Baptism of the Lord is one of the most revered Orthodox events. Over time, this holiday acquired many traditions, and one of them was swimming in the wood. Everyone who decides to perform this ritual is simply obliged to know about its features so as not to harm their health.

Before the consecration of water, a hole called a Jordan is cut through the ice. It received this name in honor of the river in which the Son of God was once baptized. After this, the clergyman lowers the crucifix into the water and says a prayer. A person who decides to perform the ritual of ablution must plunge his head into the ice hole three times, but before doing this he must pray.

It is believed that with the help of Epiphany water you can get rid of ailments and sins. However, this ritual is not performed by all believers, because not everyone can expose their health to such a risk.

When is the best time to swim in an ice hole at Epiphany?

When to swim in an ice hole on Epiphany - on the eve of the holiday or on the day of the event itself? This question worries many people who want to swim in an ice hole. It is believed that on the evening of January 18, it is best to visit the church, pray and take holy water home.

At the end of the evening service, on the night of January 19, everyone can plunge into the already blessed water. The most suitable time period for this is considered to be the period from 00:00 to 01:30. According to legends, it was at this time that water acquires strong healing properties, which have repeatedly helped people get rid of diseases.

If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to perform the bathing ritual at night, then you can do it in the morning, afternoon or evening of January 19th. If, due to your health condition, you do not have the opportunity to plunge into ice water in mid-January, then just wash your face Epiphany water, collected in the ice hole.

After bathing, do not forget to say a prayer again so that the ritual will benefit not only your body, but also your soul. Our ancestors gave special meaning such great Orthodox events as the Baptism of the Lord. Despite the fact that this holiday is of a religious nature, many folk superstitions are associated with it, which people previously preferred to believe.

Based on materials - dailyhoro.ru
Photo - taday.ru

With the Baptism of Rus' (in 988), it gradually spread among our ancestors. The blessing of water can only be performed by a priest - by reading the appropriate prayers and immersing the cross in water three times. On reservoirs, for this purpose, an ice hole is made in advance - “Jordan” - usually in the shape of a cross. Usually bodies of water - ponds, rivers, lakes - are consecrated on the feast of Epiphany itself, after the liturgy. Epiphany water is a shrine that is used for healing and to strengthen the mental and physical strength of us and our loved ones.

From some churches and on Epiphany Eve after the service, solemn processions are made to the ice holes in the reservoirs, they are blessed. Orthodox Christians scoop up holy water from this ice hole, wash themselves with it, and the bravest “dive” into the ice hole. Russian traditions Ice-hole swimming dates back to the times of the ancient Scythians, who dipped their babies into ice-cold water, acclimating them to the harsh nature.

When swimming in ice hole for Epiphany

On January 18, Orthodox believers celebrate Epiphany Eve, the eve of Epiphany, or Epiphany. The “great consecration of water” takes place in all churches. According to church canons, on Epiphany Eve a believer must come to church, stand for the service, light a candle, and draw blessed water. But no one demands to plunge into ice water, especially if a person is not ready for this. An ice hole made for the blessing of water and bathing at Epiphany is also called a Jordan.

IN big cities In Russia, on the eve of the Feast of Epiphany, rivers are specially cut down and ice holes are equipped for mass bathing of believers. What the population of these cities is informed about in the media.

There are no strict rules on how to swim (plunge) in the ice hole at Epiphany. Bathing involves immersing your head in water three times. At the same time, the believer is baptized and says “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit!”
In Rus', since ancient times, it has been believed that bathing at Epiphany promotes healing from various ailments.
Water is living matter. It has the ability to change its structure under the influence of a source of information. Therefore, with whatever thoughts you approach it, that’s what you will receive. To plunge into cold water, no special preparation is required. The human body is designed to experience frequent exposure to cold. All you need is the attitude.
What happens to the human body when it comes into contact with cold water? For example, when swimming in an ice hole in winter?
1. Immersing your head in ice water, the water instantly awakens the central nervous part of the brain, and the brain heals the body.
2.Short-term exposure to low and ultra-low temperatures is perceived by the body as positive stress: relieves inflammation, pain, swelling, spasm.
3. Our body is enveloped in air, the thermal conductivity of which is 28 times less than the thermal conductivity of water. This is the trick of cold water hardening. And during a short run in the snow (for example, to an ice hole and back), only 10% of the body surface is cooled.
4. Cold water releases the deep forces of the body; the body temperature after contact with it reaches 40º, at which viruses, microbes and diseased cells die.
Systematic winter swimming helps to improve the health of the body, but diving into an ice hole once a year is extremely stressful for the body.
Rules for swimming in an ice hole for Epiphany

  • You should plunge (swim) in specially equipped ice holes near the shore, preferably near rescue stations, under the supervision of lifeguards.
  • Such ice holes are specially equipped on rivers in big cities on the eve of the Epiphany Day for mass bathing of citizens. The population is informed about the location of such places through the media.
  • Before swimming in the ice hole, you need to warm up your body by warming up and jogging.
  • It is necessary to approach the ice hole in comfortable, non-slip and easily removable shoes to prevent loss of sensitivity in the feet. It is better to use boots or woolen socks to reach the ice hole. It is possible to use special rubber slippers, which also protect your feet from sharp stones and salt, and also prevent you from slipping on ice. When going to the ice hole, remember that the path may be slippery. Walk slowly and carefully.
  • Make sure that the ladder for going into the water is stable. At the very least, to be on the safe side, it is necessary to lower the edge of a strong, thick rope with knots into the water so that swimmers can use it to get out of the water. The opposite end of the rope must be securely fastened to the shore.
  • It is best to plunge up to your neck, without getting your head wet, in order to avoid a reflex narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain; Never dive into the hole head first. Jumping into water and immersing yourself in water are not recommended, as this increases the loss of temperature and can lead to shock from the cold.
  • When entering the water for the first time, try to quickly reach the depth you need, but do not swim. Remember that cold water can cause completely normal, harmless rapid breathing. Once your body has adjusted to the cold.
  • Do not stay in the ice hole for more than 1 minute to avoid general hypothermia of the body. When lowering to the bottom in a small ice hole, the danger also consists of the following. Not everyone knows how to descend vertically. Many descend at an angle, moving towards the edge of the ice. At a depth of 4 m, the displacement from the starting point can reach 1 - 1.5 m. When ascending from eyes closed In a small ice hole you can “miss” and hit your head. If you have a child with you, fly after him as he dives into the hole. A frightened child can easily forget that he can swim.
  • Getting out of the hole is not so easy. When exiting, do not directly hold onto the handrails, use a dry towel, a handful of snow from the edge of the ice hole, you can scoop up more water into handfuls and, leaning on the handrails, rise quickly and energetically.
  • Climbing out in a vertical position is difficult and dangerous.
  • If you fall off, you can go under the ice. Insurance and mutual assistance are required.
  • After bathing (dipping), dry yourself and your child with a terry towel and put on dry clothes;
  • To strengthen the immune system and the possibility of hypothermia, you need to drink hot tea, preferably from berries, fruits and vegetables from a pre-prepared thermos.

Contraindications to swimming in an ice hole:
Winter swimming is contraindicated for people with the following acute and chronic (in the acute stage) diseases:
- inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx, paranasal cavities, otitis;
- of cardio-vascular system(congenital and acquired heart valve defects, coronary heart disease with angina attacks; previous myocardial infarction, coronary-cardiosclerosis, hypertension II and III stages);
- central nervous system(epilepsy, consequences of severe skull injuries; cerebral vascular sclerosis in an advanced stage, syringomyelia; encephalitis, arachnoiditis);
- peripheral nervous system (neuritis, polyneuritis);
- endocrine system ( diabetes, thyrotoxicosis);
- organs of vision (glaucoma, conjunctivitis);
- respiratory organs (pulmonary tuberculosis - active and in the stage of complications, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, eczema).

The baptism of Jesus Christ is considered one of the 12 main Orthodox holidays. Another name is Epiphany, which is explained by its descent in the form of a dove onto the water.

This is a non-moving holiday, which is celebrated every year on January 19 (in 2019 it falls on Saturday) and is not included in the list of official holidays and weekends in Russian Federation.

Many believers are already wondering when they can swim at Epiphany in 2019, but to find the answer, we need to remember some ancient traditions.

Features and customs

In the evening, parishioners attend a church service, and on the night from 18 to 19, clergy bless water in churches and reservoirs, after which everyone can collect it in containers and plunge into the font.

You can collect water for 3 days from the 19th to the 21st, but Epiphany water on January 19th is considered the most energetically powerful.

The main tradition is swimming in an ice hole, which is carved in the shape of a cross and is called “Jordan”. The main requirement, according to the canons of the church, when choosing a place for an ice hole is natural open water, river. After consecration by the priest, the water becomes healing and can relieve illness, mental and physical torment.

Many believe that washing with baptismal water is equivalent to the forgiveness of a person’s sins, but this is not so: this requires visiting church, repentance and confession.

It is not at all necessary to dive and stay in icy water for a long time; it is enough to plunge your head three times and cross yourself 3 times before entering the ice hole.

Swimming in Moscow

IN last years Among Russian residents, diving into ice holes is becoming quite popular. For example, the number of people who took the plunge in 2018 in the capital is about 120,000 people. Therefore, the number of places in Moscow where you can swim on Epiphany will increase in 2019.

As always, the days when everyone will have the opportunity to swim at Epiphany in Moscow, in 2019 will be the night from 18.01. on 19.01. and 19.01. until the evening - during this period, ambulance crews and rescuers will be near places of mass swimming.

Winter in climatic zone, in which the Russian Federation is geographically located, may surprise you with abnormal heat, as in some previous years. Then the reservoirs do not freeze, and it is simply impossible to make an ice hole. However, in 2019 in Moscow this will not be an obstacle to organizing places where you can swim at Epiphany. Based on the experience of 2017-2018, this list is about 60 points.

For the safe and convenient stay of people in official places in each district of the capital, additional means and activities will be used:

  • anti-slip mats;
  • railings;
  • changing cabins;
  • hot drink outlets;
  • car parking;
  • lighting lamps;
  • biotoilets;
  • heating and medical care tents.

Usually, on the eve of the holiday, sanitary service specialists take water samples in the proposed swimming areas. Often the results of the analyzes are unsatisfactory, which is the reason for closing some reservoirs. For example, in 2018, 2 ponds were subject to such a ban - Pionersky and in the Catherine Park of the capital. The press service of the institution recommends that citizens first view the list of permitted places on the website of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations in Moscow.

Center

There will be 3 points in this part of the capital:

  1. Revolution square.
  2. Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Chisty Vrazhek.
  3. Catherine Park (Suvorovskaya Square).

North

It is planned to hold events on the Bolshoi Garden Pond (Bolshaya Academicheskaya St.). In Khimki, at the reservoir, swimming will take place in 2 places:

  1. Dynamo Stadium, Leningradskoye Highway.
  2. Beach "Levoberezhny", Pribrezhny passage.

In the Northeast, the main scene of action is the Ostankino (Palace) pond.

Residents of the North-West will be able to come to such reservoirs as:

  1. Strogino floodplain.
  2. Bottomless lake.
  3. Moscow River - Northern Tushino Park.
  4. St. Svobody, st. Zhivopisnaya, st. Aviation.
  5. Derivation channel.
  6. Chernushka River in Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo Park,
  7. Landscape park "Mitino" (Baryshikha).
  8. Karamyshevskaya embankment.
  9. Kirov floodplain.

East

The area is characterized by the presence of many picturesque ponds:

  • Babaevsky.
  • Red.
  • May.
  • Silver-Grape.
  • Olkhovy (Terletskaya oakbrava park).
  • Putyaevsky.
  • Oleniy (Sokolniki Park).

Also popular among residents of the district are such vacation spots as:

  • Font "Vernissage".
  • Lake "White" and "Holy".

South

Epiphany rites will be organized by local authorities at the following ponds:

  1. Borisovsky (temple Life-Giving Trinity, Borisov).
  2. Upper Tsaritsynsky.
  3. "Beket" (Country Highway).
  4. Upper Kuzminsky.
  5. Nizhny Lublinsky.
  6. Shibaevsky.
  7. Vorontsovsky (Church of the Life-Giving Trinity, Vorontsovo).
  8. Chernyavsky (Church of the Nativity, Chernevo).
  9. Sanatorium “Uzkoe” (Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Yasenevo).
  10. Tpoparevsky (recreation area "Tpoparevo").
  11. Nakhimovsky prospect.
  12. Temple icons Mother of God“The Sign”, Zakharyino.

West

Mass baths await visitors on Meshchersky Pond and the Moscow River:

  • Filevsky Boulevard.
  • St. Bolshaya Filevskaya.
  • Rublevo.

Behavior rules

For safety, it is worth remembering and following simple recommendations from experts:

  1. Have a small snack with high-calorie foods to supply the body necessary energy. Avoid smoking before and after swimming to avoid additional stress on the heart.
  2. Quick entry to prevent hypothermia.
  3. Staying in the water for beginners is no longer than 20 seconds, maximum for trained people is 2 minutes.
  4. You should not dry yourself with a towel after getting out of the water, so as not to damage the capillaries of your skin in the cold.
  5. The fastest way to get dressed in dry clothes with a minimum of fasteners.
  6. Drink hot tea.
  7. Go for a short run to warm up your body.

There are also a number of signs of hypothermia, in the event of which a bathing person needs to emergency help doctors:

  1. Sharp redness of the skin.
  2. Pain in the back of the head and temples.
  3. Fatigue and stiffness of movement.

It is worth remembering that this ritual is not mandatory, but a voluntary action, so if you decide to undergo it, it is important not to harm your body and your health.

Contraindications for swimming

To ensure that the celebration of Epiphany in 2019 in Moscow takes place calmly and without incident, specialists in providing emergency care We have prepared in advance a list of restrictions with which it is strictly forbidden to swim in an ice hole:

  1. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and nervous system disorders.
  2. Pregnancy.
  3. Age up to 12 years.
  4. State of drug or alcohol intoxication.
  5. Availability infectious diseases or gynecological inflammation.
  6. A state of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
  7. Diabetes mellitus and diseases of the genitourinary system.

To dive into water, you should choose specially designated and prepared places where rescue service representatives are present. Diving alone is also prohibited, since in the event of an unforeseen situation no one can help a drowning person.

More about the rules of Epiphany bathing: video

An ancient and respected holiday in all Christian countries, the Epiphany holiday has long become an expected event. church calendar. All Orthodox believers know about it and, despite the development modern science, people perform certain rituals on this holy day that were established many centuries ago.

This Christian holiday is also called Epiphany. It is celebrated every year on January 19th. In 2018, Orthodox believers will celebrate Epiphany on Friday. In the Russian Federation, this will be a working day, even though the state has included Epiphany among the official holidays. The history of this holiday dates back to the moment when John the Baptist baptized the new Messiah Jesus Christ in the Jordan.

According to Holy Scripture, at that moment a White dove. This bird became the living embodiment of the holy spirit. Then the words of God came from heaven to the people who were near the Jordan, in which he called Jesus his beloved son and sent him favor. It was from this time that the earthly mission of Christ began, which ended with his Resurrection. When John baptized Jesus and after divine signs from heaven, the Savior set off to travel through the desert. He stayed in it for forty days.

In this way, Christ prepared himself to fulfill the divine mission entrusted to him. Over time, Baptism has acquired all sorts of traditions. Believers follow them to this day. The main ritual is swimming in an ice hole. Those wishing to do it need to know a number of important features. Before swimming in the ice hole (Jordan), the priest, with the help of a crucifix and prayer, performs a rite of consecration.

Christians take a complete plunge three times, pray and joyfully leave the ice hole. human body, especially if you are unprepared, swimming in an ice hole can become a real stress, especially in severe frosts. But since this rite is ancient and is carried out annually, it is noted that at Epiphany natural waters have special properties. Believers who plunge into ice holes with blessed water stop getting sick, get rid of the evil eye and wash away their sins.

According to unofficial rules, people with heart problems should not swim in the ice hole. Also among them are children, pregnant women, people suffering from nervous diseases and unhealthy blood vessels. Do not under any circumstances swim in an ice hole after drinking alcoholic drinks. If you do this, you are putting your body at serious risk. Before diving, you should eat well. But do not overeat, and at the end of the ceremony enjoy hot tea. By adhering to all of the above, you will improve your body and state of mind. Of course, swimming in an ice hole on this day will not be useful for everyone, but Epiphany water will have a beneficial effect on any person.

There are a few important nuances that you need to know before collecting and blessing water on this day. It is worth saying that the process of consecrating water in temples is carried out over two days. They begin to do this on January 18 during Epiphany Eve after the end Divine Liturgy. Then the water continues to be blessed on January 19 during the holiday itself. These days dial Epiphany holy water. You can do this not only in church, but, for example, at home.

In this case, it is best to collect water immediately after midnight and before half past two in the morning from January 18 to 19.

On the day of the Epiphany itself, water is collected until the arrival of January 20th. By adhering to all the above traditions and tips, you will become physically and spiritually healthier.

On January 19 (January 6, old style), Christians celebrate the Epiphany, or Epiphany, one of the most important holidays in Orthodoxy. On this day, the prophet John the Baptist, who is also called the Baptist, baptized the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

The second name, Epiphany, was given to the holiday in memory of the miracle that occurred during baptism - the Holy Spirit descended from heaven on Christ in the form of a dove. The main traditions of the Epiphany holiday are associated with water; the clergy dresses in white vestments.

When and how is the Epiphany celebrated?

In the first centuries of Christianity, converts were baptized on Epiphany (they were called catechumens), so this day was often called the “day of Enlightenment” - as a sign that the Sacrament of Baptism cleanses a person from sin and enlightens him with the light of Christ. At the same time, a tradition arose to bless water in reservoirs on this day.

Believers look forward to the Feast of Epiphany, and when the Epiphany of the Lord comes, they attend church to remember the wonderful event that changed the world. The celebration of Epiphany begins the day before - January 18. This day is called Epiphany Christmas Eve, as well as Hungry Kutya. By analogy with Christmas Eve, on the day before the feast of the Epiphany, strict fasting must be observed:

  • The obligatory dish of the festive dinner was Lenten kutia, pancakes, and oatmeal jelly.
  • Kutya, kolivo, kanun - a ritual funeral dish of the Slavs, porridge cooked from whole grains of wheat (barley, rice - Saracen millet or other cereals), poured with honey, honey syrup or sugar, with the addition of poppy seeds, raisins, nuts, milk or jam.

Folk traditions

  • At Epiphany, it was customary to release doves - as a sign of Divine grace descending on Jesus Christ.
  • In Rus', on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, as soon as the first church bell called for matins, pious believers lit a fire on the shore so that Jesus Christ, who was baptized in the Jordan, could also warm himself by the fire.
  • They began to prepare the Jordan a week before Epiphany: they cut a hole in the river, sawed out a large cross and placed it over the hole. The throne was also cut out of ice. The “royal doors” were decorated with Christmas tree branches.

On the morning of the holiday, after the service, everyone went to the river. After the blessing of the water in the river, all those gathered collected it in their dishes. It was believed that the sooner you scoop it up, the more holy it will be. There were brave souls who swam in the Jordan, remembering that it was impossible to catch a cold in the blessed water.

Then everyone went home. And while the women were setting the table, the eldest man in the family sprinkled Epiphany water the whole farm. Before eating, everyone drank consecrated water. After eating, the girls hurried to the river to wash themselves in “Jordanian water”, “so that their faces were pink.”

After Epiphany, it was forbidden to wash clothes in the river. According to legend, when a priest immerses a cross in water, all the evil spirits jump out of fear, and then sit on the shore and wait for someone to appear with dirty laundry. As soon as the laundry is lowered into the river, along it, like a ladder, all the evil spirits go into the water. Therefore, it was believed that the later women began to wash, the more evil spirits would freeze out from the Epiphany frosts.

  • You can't cry on this day, just like on New Year- before next holiday you can shed tears.
  • At Epiphany, you need to make peace with loved ones, but under no circumstances should you quarrel, make trouble, or be offended.
  • You also cannot complain, gossip, slander, clean, wash, knit or sew. It is better to stop any work these days.
  • In addition, after Baptism you cannot guess, otherwise you will change your fate for the worse.

Blessing of Water^

An important event of Epiphany and Epiphany is the blessing of water. On a river or lake, a cross-shaped hole called Jordan is cut out in advance in the ice. At midnight, priests bless the water in the wormwood, and believers take a bath in the consecrated water. People are not afraid of the cold, since bathing at Epiphany is a symbolic cleansing of sins, spiritual rebirth.

It is believed that Christ the Savior in Baptism bestows (with water) the grace of “souls and bodies.” The Baptism of the Lord in the matter of redemption of the human race had great saving ontological significance. Baptism on the Jordan exudes to mortals remission of sins, enlightenment, light, renewal, healing and, as it were, a new birth.

Holy Epiphany water: when is it blessed?

The main feature of the Epiphany service is the blessing of water. Water is blessed twice on Epiphany:

  • The day before, January 18, on Epiphany Eve, there was the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, which is also called the “Great Hagiasma.”
  • And the second time - on the day of Epiphany, January 19, at the Divine Liturgy.
  • According to tradition, Epiphany water is stored for a year - until the next Epiphany holiday. They drink it on an empty stomach, reverently and prayerfully.

When to dial Epiphany water

If you decide to draw Epiphany water from the tap, do it in the time interval from 00:10 to 01:30 on the night of January 18th to 19th. However, it is possible later - until 24:00 on January 19.

  • It is better to collect Epiphany water after participating in a church service (in church) or prayer (at home);
  • It is better to pour water into a special jug or flask purchased at a church store (not into a beer bottle).

What are the wonderful healing properties of Epiphany water?

In all sources consecrated at the Epiphany of the Lord, the water becomes holy. It is believed, and this has many confirmations, that Epiphany holy water has miraculous and healing properties:

  • Believers take it with them - Epiphany holy water has the ability not to spoil for a long time.
  • Epiphany water is drunk on an empty stomach throughout the year, it is carefully preserved as a shrine and illnesses, both physical and mental, are treated. You can drink it when you are sick on an empty stomach and wash your face to stay healthy.
  • You need to drink Epiphany holy water with prayer, asking the Almighty for spiritual and physical health.
  • You can sprinkle your home with holy baptismal water to drive out evil spirits and bring the grace of God into the house.
  • It is not at all necessary to take it in reserve; it should not be a lot of water, but faith.

How to swim properly at Epiphany ^

For believers, bathing at Epiphany means communion with the special grace of the Lord, which he sends to all the water on this day. It is also believed that water at Epiphany brings health, both physical and spiritual. At the same time, the church warns against attaching any magical meaning to this tradition.

Rules for bathing at Epiphany

The ice holes or Jordans in which people bathe at Epiphany are blessed. There are no strict rules for those who want to plunge into Jordan for Epiphany:

  • But still, it is customary to quickly plunge headlong into the water 3 times, while making the sign of the cross and saying: “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
  • Traditionally, it is believed that on Epiphany one should swim in shirts and not in swimsuits, so as not to expose one’s body.

How to swim at Epiphany so as not to get sick

Both old and young swim at Epiphany. But without special preparation, swimming can be dangerous for children and the elderly. It is better to prepare in advance, gradually hardening yourself by pouring cold water at home in the bathroom. Precautionary measures must be observed by everyone who decides to swim for Epiphany:

  • Doctors warn against swimming at Epiphany for people with hypertension, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, tuberculosis and other acute chronic diseases.
  • Doctors warn that swimming in ice water puts all human thermoregulatory mechanisms under maximum stress and can cause shock.

If you are healthy, then follow these recommendations:

  • You can swim on Epiphany only in an ice hole where there is a special entrance to the water;
  • Never go swimming at Epiphany alone; there should be a person nearby who can help if necessary;
  • Alcohol and cigarettes are prohibited before swimming; do not swim on an empty stomach or immediately after eating;
  • Take a warm blanket with you, as well as clothes that are comfortable for changing.

Folk signs and beliefs ^

Since ancient times, many folk signs and beliefs have been associated with Baptism:

  • It was believed that miracles happened at Epiphany midnight: the wind subsided for a moment, complete silence reigned and the heavens opened. At this time you can say cherished wish which will definitely come true.
  • If the weather is clear and cold at Epiphany, the summer will be dry; cloudy and fresh - to a bountiful harvest.
  • A full month for Epiphany means a big spring flood.
  • Starry night of Epiphany - the summer will be dry, there will be a harvest for peas and berries.
  • There will be a thaw at Epiphany - for the harvest, and a clear day at Epiphany - for a crop failure.
  • The wind will blow from the south on Epiphany - it will be a stormy summer.
  • If it snows during the liturgy, especially while going to the water, then next year it is expected to be grain-bearing, and the bees will produce many swarms.
  • When dogs barked a lot on Epiphany, they expected a successful hunting season: If dogs bark a lot on Epiphany, there will be plenty of all kinds of animals and game.
  • Chickens are not fed at Epiphany so that the gardens are not dug in the summer and the seedlings are not spoiled.

The Russian folk calendar associates the holiday of Epiphany with frost. Epiphany frosts: “Cracking frost, not crackling, but Vodokreshchi has passed.”

Fortune telling for Epiphany

January 19 marks the end of Christmastide, the period of fortune telling in Rus'. On Epiphany night, the girls sought to understand what awaited them in the future, whether they would get married, whether the year would be successful.

By folk beliefs, the eve of Epiphany, the famous “Epiphany evening”, is a time of rampant evil spirits. She tries to sneak into the house as a werewolf - in any guise.

  • To protect the home from evil spirits entering the house, they put the signs of the cross on all doors and window frames with chalk, which is considered a reliable protection against everything demonic.
  • Don't put it in Epiphany Christmas Eve a cross on the door means there will be trouble, they thought in the old days.

If you don’t protect your home in time and “let in” evil spirits, you can get rid of its mischief in the following way. A knot is found in the floor of the house, which does not necessarily have to protrude above the floor, but can simply be marked in the parquet board. Ring finger right hand They circle the knot with a triangle, then step on it with their left foot and say: “Christ has risen, not you, demon.” Amen".

Those who told fortunes on the night of the New Year, Christmastide and Epiphany were required to bathe or douse themselves with water: thereby they washed away their sin, because fortune telling was always considered a conspiracy with evil spirits.

In Rus', many beliefs about the fate of a person are associated with the holiday of Epiphany.

  • Being baptized on January 19 is considered special luck. They say that then a person will have a long and happy life.
  • It is also considered a good omen if on this day they agree on future wedding. "Epiphany handshake - to happy family“, - people said.

Fortune telling - who will come across

Those girls who had not yet waited for their groom went out in the evening for Epiphany and called out to their betrothed.

  • If a girl comes across a young guy, it’s a good omen,
  • Being an old man is a bad omen.

Fortune telling by name

  • There was a custom that both boys and girls performed with pleasure: asking passers-by for a name - for women it was male, for men it was female.
  • By folk superstition, this will be the name of the future groom and, accordingly, the bride.

Fortune telling at the church

On a clear, moonlit Epiphany evening, the girls walked to the doors of the locked church and listened to the silence:

  • Some of them imagined either a wedding choir or a funeral service - what the new year promised them.
  • The sound of a bell (marriage) and a dull knock (imminent death) had the same symbolism.

Shoe throwing

The girls went outside the outskirts and threw the shoe from their left foot in front of them.

  • They looked in which direction the toe of the shoe was pointing - from there the groom would come and in that direction the girl would leave her home.
  • If the toe of the shoe pointed back towards the village, it meant that the girl would not get married this year.

Eastern horoscope for March 2019