Every year, Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate one of the most significant holidays - Epiphany. This holiday is the final and third in the Christmas cycle, and is also one of the twelve most important religious holidays. Today we will talk about the history of the holiday and how to prepare for the ritual of swimming in an ice hole today.
One of the great holidays is the Epiphany. This holiday is one of the few that is celebrated annually and its date does not change. In 2020, the Epiphany of the Lord will be celebrated on the 13th day after Christmas, namely January 19, Saturday.
History of Baptism
After long wanderings in the desert, according to the Gospel, the prophet John came to the Jordan River, in which the Jews traditionally performed purification rites. Here he began to baptize people in the waters of the river, telling them about baptism and repentance.
When the Messiah turned 30 years old, he also came to the Jordan River and asked the prophet to baptize him. After the ceremony, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on young Jesus in the form of a dove. Then the words of the Lord were heard, saying that Jesus was his son.
The event itself pointed out to John and all those who were at the river at that moment the Divine dignity of Jesus’ baptism. History says that it was then that the Holy Trinity was revealed to the people: God - by voice, God the Son - Jesus and the Holy Spirit - a descending dove...
When did the tradition of swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany begin?
Swimming in an ice hole for baptism is nothing more than folk tradition, and it has absolutely nothing to do with worship or the gospel. In Moscow, this tradition became widespread only in the 90s. Church ministers say that Orthodox Christians do not have such a duty as plunging into a winter ice hole. This is something of an extreme, personal tenacity to prove that a person can fight nature even in such harsh conditions.
This tradition still exists today in Russia, Ukraine and other countries. In Greece, for example, on this day the Bishop sanctifies the sea, throws the cross, reading a prayer far into the sea, and Christians dive after him in order to get the cross. This is also a folk custom.
In Russia, on Epiphany, a Jordan is cut down - an ice hole in the shape of a cross, after which the water is blessed in it. For centuries, water was blessed by the church in springs, and then ordinary people took water from the font. Some wanted to testify to their strength in faith, and they decided to plunge into the ice hole. This is where this tradition originates.
How to prepare an ice hole?
It should be noted that the ice hole for mass swimming is prepared by specially trained teams. The swimming area is cleared of snow, and then a cross is cut out of the ice using a chainsaw and safety ropes. Blocks of cut ice are sent either further along the river or taken out using special equipment.
People who live in the private sector and have a swimming pool cut an ice hole directly in their pool, also using a chainsaw. You will learn more about how to prepare an ice hole in the video.
From what time can you swim in the ice hole for Epiphany 2020?
Mass bathing occurs in the evening of the 18th and early in the morning of the 19th. However, before you try your hand at fighting nature, you need to attend a service in the temple, as well as take communion. After the evening service on January 18, you can already swim. The ideal time period is 00-1:30 on the night of the 18th to 19th. It is generally accepted that during this period the healing properties of Epiphany water are the strongest and are capable of healing any ailment. Swimming in big cities take place until lunchtime on the 19th, since so many people come.
Baptism swimming in an ice hole, video
How to prepare for swimming in an ice hole?
Doctors recommend preparing for swimming in an ice hole well in advance. Swimming in ice water in deep frosts is a huge stress for the body, and in order for your body not to fail, you need to carefully prepare and harden yourself. It is better to start preparing in the summer, gradually day after day, doing douches.
2 days before Epiphany, you need to start the morning with a contrast shower. Be sure to do some exercise before your shower. It is recommended to repeat this procedure several times a day.
The day before swimming, you need to increase your exposure to a contrast shower. It is advisable that you stand under cold water completely for 5-7 minutes, but no more, and the water should not be colder than 15 degrees.
You need to approach swimming in an ice hole with all responsibility, and even if you are a person of deep faith, but have health problems from the list below, then refuse to dive into the Jordan.
You should not take a dip if you have the following health problems:
- heart diseases;
- obesity;
- hypertension;
- epilepsy;
- arrhythmia;
- tendency to seizures;
- respiratory diseases;
- private sinusitis, sinusitis and sinusitis;
- asthma;
- skin diseases (eg eczema and psoriasis);
- prostatitis;
- gynecological diseases;
- diabetes;
- cataract;
- thyrotoxicosis;
- neurotic diseases.
Also, Epiphany bathing will not benefit those who suffer from insomnia.
If you still decide to swim, despite all the prohibitions, then you must understand that you take responsibility for your life only on yourself. Eat a hearty meal a couple of hours before swimming. Bring dry clothes, a towel and a thermos of hot tea.
Immediately upon arrival, you cannot plunge into a sudden plunge; you must cool down gradually. First take off your outerwear, after a few minutes your shoes, then undress to the waist and only then start swimming.
What do girls and women wear in the ice hole, and what do men wear?
There are no special restrictions on clothing for swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany for either men or women. Most of the fair sex swim in swimsuits or nightgowns, while the stronger half wear swimming trunks.
Do they go to the ice hole barefoot or in shoes?
Unlike clothing while swimming, you should not forget about shoes. You need to approach the ice hole in non-slip and easily removable shoes, so as not to freeze your feet while you move towards the swimming area. In order to get to the ice hole, woolen socks and special rubber slippers are also suitable. When walking to the swimming area, remember that the path will most likely be slippery.
How to swim in an ice hole correctly: how many times should you plunge, do you need to plunge headlong or not?
The tradition of swimming in an ice hole involves immersing your head three times. However, it is best to plunge up to your neck without getting your head wet, this will avoid constriction of the blood vessels in the brain. You should also refrain from jumping into the water, as this can lead to shock from loss of temperature from the cold.
Can Muslims swim in an ice hole on Epiphany?
Despite the fact that Baptism Orthodox holiday, the church does not regulate the behavior of representatives of other religions in any way. If you are a Muslim and want to take part in the Epiphany bath, visit the Imam and ask him this question. The Church does not prohibit representatives of the Muslim religion from swimming in ice holes.
Do Catholics swim in the ice hole at Epiphany?
As mentioned above, Orthodox Church does not prohibit representatives of other religions from bathing at Epiphany, so if you are a Catholic and want to join Orthodox tradition, then feel free to go to specially designated swimming areas.
How many days do they swim in the ice hole for Epiphany?
As mentioned above, the immersion in Jordan takes place on the night of the 18th to 19th. In fact, they swim in the ice hole for 2 days: January 18 and 19.
Is it beneficial to swim in an ice hole at Epiphany?
Before deciding to take such a step, each person needs to understand that bathing at Epiphany is nothing more than just a tradition and has nothing to do with the Gospel, as mentioned above. If you have not been tempering yourself for a year, but have decided to tickle your nerves and get your dose of adrenaline, then it is important to understand that an unprepared body can react to such a temperature change with illness, and in some cases people have a stroke. Therefore, after weighing only all the pros and cons, go to conquer Jordan. The benefits of such an event are very doubtful; you are unlikely to be able to “wash away” your sins, but it will be enough to cause health problems.
For many, the holiday of Epiphany is just a tradition of swimming in an ice hole, but we should not forget about its true meaning. Only faith in God can heal!
The holiday itself goes far back to the ancient past, to the time of the apostles. In those days it was called completely differently: “Epiphany”, which in principle means Epiphany and the second name is “Feast of Lights”. It is connected with the fact that on this day God comes to our world in order to bestow upon it the Unapproachable Light. And the name Baptism comes from Greek. The words baptize, baptize, translated mean immersion in water. This is where one of the most important traditions of Epiphany came from: swimming in the consecrated waters of ice holes in rivers and lakes. Water represents life, in principle, as well as destroys. Just remember about global flood, which God sent to the whole world in order to wash away the sins of men.
As mentioned above, on the eve of Epiphany on January 18, Epiphany Eve begins. On this day, it is necessary to observe strict fasting, pray and repent of your sins, in order to plunge into the consecrated waters at night from 18 to 19. The name Christmas Eve comes from the food on the day before the holiday - sochivo. Apart from this dish of boiled grain with dried fruits, poppy seeds and nuts, you cannot eat anything else.
Since the beginning of the Epiphany holiday, ice holes have been cut in rivers and lakes throughout the country, called Jordans, for swimming by everyone. It is true that by swimming in an ice hole, you are thereby cleansed of all sins. According to the church, no, because sins can only be repented of through confession in church. There is another opinion about swimming, it is believed that you will be healthy all year. Opinions in this regard may also differ, because people suffering from some complex diseases are generally prohibited from diving into an ice hole in icy water. For me, once I was diving, the sensations were indescribable. I flew out of the water as if from a “stove”, there was darkness all around, and think for yourself how in a huge crowd of people you can figure out where your things are and where to run. Anyone who has tried it will understand. As for health, well, I haven’t been sick all year, apart from the usual runny nose. But this does not mean at all that thanks to my baptism bath I did not get sick. I want to believe, and it’s hard to believe, although it’s possible. It is also not recommended to bathe children in ice holes, especially if they themselves do not want to.
As for the questions, what time to swim on Epiphany and when to swim: January 18 or 19? The answer is one: you can swim starting from 12 o’clock on the 19th and all day long. By the way, after swimming, many people immediately take strong drinks, which is also not recommended, otherwise the consequences can be unpredictable.
You can take blessed water for Epiphany from church. Although many people believe that holy water flows from the tap all day long and, without worrying about going to church, they collect it at home. What is most surprising and still incomprehensible to me is that such tap water will stand all year and not spoil. So miracles, so miracles! By the way, you can collect water starting from January 18th. Although many believe that the water collected on January 18 is called Epiphany, and that collected on January 19, Epiphany, this is the same water, blessed once. So there is no difference when to take water for Epiphany or Epiphany.
How to celebrate Epiphany
Of course, the best way to start celebrating is in church, having served a service, prayed to God, then at midnight, taken a swim in the ice hole. You can also perform fortune telling at Epiphany. They say that whatever you predict will definitely come true. There is an interesting fortune telling using candle wax that I have tested. You will need a candle, matches, and a plate. You light a candle, and when the wax begins to melt, you begin to ask what worries you most, then carefully tilt the candle so that it does not go out, and drop a drop onto the plate. You can stop at any time, in principle, when you ask the same question three times. Then, using the outlines of the wax on the plate, look at the silhouettes of what happened. Here you will need to turn on your imagination. There is nothing difficult about decoding. I have already written about other fortune telling in an article about, they can also be used for Epiphany.
There are several true signs.
1. It is believed that after the holiday is over, the cold will begin to recede.
2. If the weather is warm at Epiphany, then the weather at Easter will also be warm.
3. If dogs bark on the day of Epiphany, it means the table will be full of all kinds of food.
4. If you see a full month in the sky at Epiphany, it means there will be a lot of water.
5. If Starlight Night on the day of Epiphany, the summer will be warm and dry, and there will also be a harvest of berries and fruits.
6. If it snows on such a day, it means there will be a harvest of bread and honey.
These and many other signs come from our great... great... grandmothers. And many of them are still coming true. All that remains is to decide for yourself whether you believe in it or not.
Congratulations on your Epiphany
I hasten to congratulate you
Happy Baptism of the Lord,
So that joy surrounds you
All year and including today!
I wish you love and happiness from the bottom of my heart,
For the Lord to protect
From all adversity and all misfortunes.
I wish you not to get sick,
Let sorrow follow you with your gaze,
I wish you not to grow old
Love and faith were nearby!
I want to congratulate you on the Epiphany of the Lord!!!
Happy great holiday of the soul!
I hasten to congratulate you today
To the joy of home, happiness and love!
May the Lord grant you health,
Let him please the children
May you have today
Happiness will happen without loss.
Epiphany -
Great holiday!
I wish you today
Reliable, different friends!
To revel in love,
And believe only in miracles,
Smile more often
And enjoy happiness!
Happy Epiphany, gentlemen!!!
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.
Although 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 headlong 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 on 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 simply wash your face with Epiphany water collected in an 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 attached special importance to such great Orthodox events, like the Baptism of the Lord. Despite the fact that this holiday is of a religious nature, there are many things associated with it. folk signs, which people previously preferred to believe.
Not a single Epiphany holiday passes without swimming in icy water. Many believe that this ritual dates back to ancient Christian traditions, but this is not entirely true. Yes, Jesus Christ, according to legend, was bathing in the Jordan River when a dove descended from heaven on him. Subsequently, this practice became widespread in all Christian denominations, but it was carried out only during the baptismal ceremony. Swimming in an ice hole is traditional Russian phenomenon, but not at all mandatory. If a person’s health allows it, then cold douches will only be beneficial. At the same time, people with heart and vascular diseases are not recommended to swim in the ice hole, because cold water and frost put a lot of stress on the body.
© Sputnik / Alexander Kryazhev
When to light the water for Epiphany
You can illuminate the water on January 18 and in the morning of January 19. Holy water is supposed to be stored all year, until next Epiphany. It is customary to drink holy water on an empty stomach and with prayer.
What can you do on Epiphany?
On the morning of January 19, immediately after waking up, you need to say a prayer and sprinkle the house with holy water. With this ritual you can protect yourself and your family from illnesses and other misfortunes, bring grace into your life and receive the protection of higher powers.
If you had an unusual dream on Epiphany, be sure that it is prophetic. It’s not for nothing that our ancestors said on the night of the Epiphany: “Holy Samson, show me prophetic dream"People believed that Epiphany dreams were prophetic in nature.
The day before Epiphany, it is customary to fast. On festive table There can only be light Lenten dishes: wheat kutia, fish and dumplings. You cannot eat until the first star appears in the sky.
Sputnik
What not to do at Epiphany
According to tradition, on the Epiphany of the Lord you cannot do household chores: cleaning, washing or repairing. In Rus' they believed that anyone who spends the Epiphany of the Lord at work will not know rest for the entire year.
It is forbidden to guess at the Epiphany of the Lord: fortune telling in Christianity is akin to witchcraft. However, this did not stop our ancestors. Epiphany fortune-telling was popular in Rus', but immediately after the ceremony, fortune-tellers dived into an ice hole to wash away their sin.
It is strictly forbidden to cry, quarrel and complain at Epiphany. It is believed that any negative energy can desecrate holy water and deprive it of its healing properties. You need to celebrate Baptism in a warm home environment, with good thoughts and a clear head.
The Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany, or Epiphany, on January 19 (new style). This is the most ancient holiday among Christians, and its establishment goes back to the times of the disciples and apostles of Christ. It also has ancient names: “Epiphany” - phenomenon, “Theophany” - Epiphany, “Holy Lights”, “Feast of Lights” or simply “Lights”, since it was the Lord Himself who came into the world on this day to show him the Light Unapproachable.
Feast of Epiphany
The word “baptize” or “baptize” is translated from Greek as “immersing in water.” It is almost impossible to understand the importance and the very meaning of what Epiphany bathing is without having an idea of what symbolic meaning has water in the Old Testament.
Water is the beginning of life. It was she who fertilized all living beings that came from her. Where there is no water, there is a lifeless desert. And water is capable of destruction, as during the Great Flood, when God flooded the sinful lives of people and thereby destroyed the evil that they did.
God made water holy with His Baptism, and now the Blessing of Water is traditionally celebrated in memory of this event. At this time, the water in all Orthodox churches, and then in rivers and reservoirs.
Jordan
On this day, a popular procession called the “Procession to the Jordan” is traditionally carried out in order to bless the water and then arrange Epiphany swimming in the ice hole. John's baptism meant that just as a body washed with water is cleansed, so a repentant soul who has believed in God will be cleansed of sins by the Savior.
The biblical story tells how Jesus came from Nazareth in those days and John baptized him in the Jordan River. When Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened and the Spirit descended on Him like a dove. And a voice was heard from heaven: “You are my beloved son, in whom is my blessing.” Epiphany revealed to people great secret The Holy Trinity, to which everyone who is baptized joins.
Then Christ told his apostles to go and teach this to all nations.
Epiphany bathing
Traditions The tradition of the blessing of water among our ancestors appeared from those ancient times, when in 988 Prince of Kyiv Vladimir baptized Rus'. Now only a priest can perform the rite of blessing of water, since at this time special prayers are read with the cross being immersed in water three times. This is done on the feast of Epiphany itself after the liturgy. But first, before this, an ice hole is made in the reservoir, usually in the form of a cross, called “Jordan”.
These days, Epiphany water is a real shrine that can heal and strengthen a person’s mental and physical strength. Therefore, such a solemn procession of consecration is carried out near the ice-hole of the reservoir in order to make swimming at Epiphany accessible for people. Orthodox people take water from the ice hole and wash themselves, but the bravest and bravest literally dive into it.
Traditions of ancestors
The Russian tradition of swimming in an ice hole was borrowed from the ancient Scythians, who tempered their babies this way. They just dipped them in cold water and thereby accustomed them to harsh climate conditions. In addition, the tradition of swimming in an ice hole was also in pagan rituals, this is how initiation into warriors took place. Even today in Rus' they like to rub themselves with snow or jump into cold water after a bathhouse.
Some pagan rituals So they have taken root in our lives to this day. That's why we swim in the ice hole and celebrate Maslenitsa, which is tied to the beginning of Lent.
Epiphany holiday
According to church rules, on Epiphany Eve there is a “great consecration of water.” Believers come to church services, light candles and draw blessed water. However, there is no need to plunge into the ice hole; this happens by at will person.
In general, in Rus' it was believed that swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany promotes healing from many ailments. Water, like living matter, is capable of changing its structure under the influence of information, so everything depends on the thoughts in a person’s head. In whole festivities Epiphany bathing turns into, photographs of this celebration always show how fun and interesting they are.
Bathing at Epiphany. How to do it right
- When a person is immersed in cold water with his head, he experiences a sharp excitation of the central nervous system and the cerebral cortex, which generally has a positive effect on the entire body.
- Exposure to low temperatures is briefly perceived by the body as stress, which can relieve inflammation, swelling and spasms.
- The thermal conductivity of the air enveloping the body is 28 times less than the thermal conductivity of water. This is the hardening effect.
- Cold water forces the body to release additional forces, and after contact with it, the temperature of the human body rises to 40 degrees Celsius. And as you know, at such a mark, microbes, diseased cells and viruses die.
But this fun and harmless, at first glance, activity can lead to a number of unpleasant moments. Epiphany bathing does not require any special preparation. The human body is adapted to the cold, and therefore only the attitude is important here.
What could happen to human body when diving into an ice hole?
Bathing rules
Swimming in Epiphany frosts means following some rules. The main thing is that the ice hole is specially equipped and that all this action takes place under the supervision of rescuers. The public is usually informed about such public places bathing. Swimming in an ice hole requires the presence of swimming trunks or a swimsuit, a terry robe and towel, as well as a set of dry clothes, slippers or wool socks, rubber cap and hot tea.
Before you arrange a bath at Epiphany, it is very important to know how to do it correctly. First, you need to warm up a little with exercises, or even better, go for a run.
You must approach the ice hole wearing non-slip, comfortable, easily removable shoes or socks.
It is also necessary to check the stability of the ladder, and to be on the safe side, throw a rope firmly attached to the shore into the water
You need to plunge into the ice hole up to your neck, and it is better not to get your head wet so that the blood vessels in the brain do not narrow. Jumping headlong into an ice hole is also undesirable, as a loss of temperature can cause shock. Cold water will immediately cause rapid breathing, and this is completely normal, this is the body's way of adapting to the cold.
It is dangerous to stay in water for more than one minute; the body may cool down. You also need to be very careful about children who, when frightened, may forget that they know how to swim. You also need to be able to get out of an ice hole so as not to fall, and to do this you need to hold on tightly to the handrails and use a dry rag.
After swimming, you need to thoroughly rub yourself with a towel and put on dry clothes. It is best to immediately drink hot tea from herbs or berries, prepared in advance in a thermos.
On this day, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited, as it negatively affects the natural thermoregulation of the whole body, so the consequences may be different. It is also important to know that swimming on an empty or, conversely, full stomach is also unacceptable.
Contraindications for swimming
No matter how useful Epiphany bathing is, there are still contraindications for it. And they relate to acute and chronic diseases. This is a disruption of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, hypertension, heart attacks), the central nervous system (skull injuries, epilepsy), the endocrine system (thyrotoxicosis, diabetes), visual organs (conjunctivitis, glaucoma), respiratory organs (asthma, pneumonia , tuberculosis), genitourinary system (cystitis, inflammation of the appendages or prostate gland), gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, cholecystitis, hepatitis), skin and venereal diseases; inflammation of the nasopharynx and otitis, etc.
Doctors' opinion
Medical experts in this area believe that in order for swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany not to bring any unexpected troubles, you need to be absolutely healthy. And this is especially dangerous for those who smoke or drink alcohol, since the flow of blood to the lungs can cause inflammation or even swelling of the bronchi and pneumonia.
In young people, not to mention the elderly, the arteries are not always able to react correctly to cold water, and at this moment breathing and then the heart may stop. If you engage in systematic winter swimming, it will certainly contribute to the health of the body, but when this happens infrequently, then everything will become very stressful for it, so before swimming you need to seriously weigh the pros and cons.
Conclusion
Many people heroically decide to swim in an ice hole at Epiphany, even though this idea may be unsafe. However, the people's Epiphany bathing is very nice, photographs from these holidays turn out to be quite expressive, someone is just getting ready to go into the water, someone is already happy that they took a swim, and someone is already warming up and drinking hot tea.
Many believers believe that swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany is a great blessing for a true Orthodox person. And that's how it is. Only the main thing here is to understand whether this faith is strong and deep enough for you to become a real shield from all troubles at the moment when the baptismal bath takes place.
Oksana Pankova, SYLru
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