Epiphany celebrated today by Old-Style Orthodox Christians
Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany today, January 19, following the old calendar. This holiday commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River at the age of 30.
On this day, services are held in churches to commemorate a significant religious event. During the ritual, the waters are sanctified, and the environment is cleansed of evil forces. At the conclusion of the water consecration service, a cross is thrown into the water, and young people who attempt to retrieve it are rewarded with rings, fruit, and money. The person who successfully captures the cross is believed to enjoy good luck throughout the year.
In this context, rescuers urge individuals to exercise caution by bathing only in designated areas equipped with wooden stairs and monitored by specialists. To prevent cardiac arrest, it is recommended that immersion in the cold water be gradual. Additionally, staying in the cold water should not exceed 10 seconds. After exiting the water, individuals should dry off with a towel, put on warm clothes, and consume warm drinks to avoid hypothermia.
Tradition holds that if it rains on Epiphany, winter will be long; if the weather is pleasant, a beautiful summer will follow. If it is frosty, a rich harvest is anticipated, and if the trees are covered in hoarfrost, it will signify a year of abundance.
On Epiphany, people refrain from washing clothes. Furthermore, it is customary to avoid quarrels within the household and not to lend anything on this day.
