Epiphany bathing
Epiphany bathing is a Christian practice associated with the Feast of Epiphany and is most widely practiced in Eastern Orthodox countries. In Russia, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe, worshipers mark the day by plunging into icy rivers, lakes, or holes cut in the ice, recalling the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.[1][2]
Origins and symbolism
[edit]The bathing tradition derives from Christian commemorations of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Bathing in the cold, blessed water is seen as a way to purify the soul and renew one’s faith.[3][4]
Regional traditions
[edit]Russia and Eastern Europe
[edit]In Russia, thousands of ice holes, known as Iordan (after the Jordan River), are cut into frozen rivers and lakes. Believers immerse themselves three times, invoking the Holy Trinity.[5][6]
While millions participate, the Russian Orthodox Church emphasizes that Epiphany bathing is a popular tradition, not a sacrament, and is not required of believers.[7][8]
Greece and the Balkans
[edit]In Greece, Bulgaria, and other Balkan states, priests bless local waters and cast a wooden cross into rivers or the sea. Young men dive in to retrieve it, and the finder is considered blessed for the coming year.[9]
Middle East
[edit]At the traditional baptism site along the Jordan River in Jordan and Israel, Christian pilgrims mark Epiphany with immersion rites and processions, reenacting the baptism of Jesus.[10]
Contemporary practice
[edit]In modern times, Epiphany bathing has become a part of the broader culture, and sometimes non-orthodox individuals also take part in the event. The event often attracts media attention.[11]
Public health authorities regularly warn about the risks of hypothermia, heart strain, and other accidents during the bathing, especially for those with preexisting medical conditions.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Orthodox Christians brave an icy dip to mark Epiphany". BBC. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
- ^ "Russian Orthodox believers take icy plunge on Epiphany Day". Reuters. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
- ^ "Epiphany bathing rites - tradition or new trend? The Presidential Library's collections looking for answers". Presidential Library of Russia. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ "Frozen Traditions, The Epiphany Swim". Russian Life. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
- ^ "In Russia, Epiphany Comes With A Shockingly Cold Swim". NPR. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ^ "Russians Brave the Ice in Annual Epiphany Swim". The Moscow Times. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ "Russians take traditional Epiphany dips in freezing waters". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "The Russian Orthodox Epiphany and Ice-Swimming". Express to Russia.
- ^ "Orthodox Christians mark Epiphany with icy plunge". The Straits Times. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
- ^ "Epiphany in the Jordan River". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
- ^ "Read All About The Icy Plunge Of Epiphany Bathing In Russia And Eastern Europe". travel.earth. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
 | This Eastern Orthodox Christianity–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |