Don't take water out of the house
The holiday of Epiphany is called Epiphany: according to legend, on this day God appeared to people. Jesus Christ, at the age of thirty, was baptized in the Jordan River, and this is how the “appearance of Christ to the people” took place. It is believed that Christianity began with the baptism of the Savior by Saint John the Baptist.
Baptism is the time when amulets are made for the soul and body. The main baptismal amulets are blessed water, ablution and church candles.
On the eve of the Feast of Epiphany, the same strict fast is observed as on the eve of the Nativity of Christ. Food - boiled kutia (rice with honey, berries) and lean porridge.
On this day, the rite of blessing of water is performed. At a certain place on the river an ice hole is made - Jordan. After the prayer service, the sick bathe in it to drive away illnesses. The ice hole and the place around it are considered sacred.
From January 18 to 19, parishioners collect blessed water in churches. It can be stored all year. The water retains freshness and has a special taste. It is not for nothing that believers revere it as a shrine and advise drinking it when they are sick, when they are in turmoil, or simply when they are feeling blue. It is believed that if you sprinkle baptismal water in the corners of a house, it will protect the house from harm.
It is advised not to take Epiphany water out of the house; it should not be wasted.
She eats it on an empty stomach, a spoonful at a time, a little at a time. The man stood up, crossed himself, asked the Lord for a blessing on the day that had begun, washed himself, prayed and accepted the great agiasma. If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then holy water is taken first, followed by the medicine. And then breakfast and other things to do. Devotees of Christian piety call consecrated water the best cure for all spiritual and physical ailments. Often confessors “prescribe” Epiphany water to their sick children - a spoonful every hour, with faith, of course, but without faith, drink at least half a canister. You can wash the patient with it and sprinkle the bed with it. True, women are not blessed to take Epiphany water on critical days. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter. May Epiphany water help her!
Go to the bathhouse!
At Epiphany, any water is considered miraculous, including snow and water in reservoirs, where prayer services are also performed. Therefore, on the eve of the holiday and after it, the Russian people always swam. In this way, all sins were washed away, the body was cleansed, and the soul was renewed. They say that on this day even non-avid walruses can jump into the ice hole without fear of getting sick.
By the way, in order to “cleanse yourself”, you don’t have to go to holy springs. After all, the main goal is to cleanse the body with water, since at Epiphany this procedure will cause the most beneficial effect. You can swim both at home and in the bathhouse. The main thing is to do this on January 19 before 12 am.
In order not to get sick all year, after washing, drying yourself, you need to say: “The dirt was washed away in the bathhouse, you gained health in the bathhouse.” Saint Paul, Saint Michael, congratulate me on good health, amen.”
A necessary rule: enter to wash in one clothes, and leave in another. After Epiphany washing, you need to dress in new, clean linen, that is, as if completely renewed, starting all over again.
Epiphany questions and answers
They say that the water that is blessed on Epiphany night comes in two types. One over which prayers were read on January 18, and the other on January 19. Is this so? And what's the difference? Another interesting thing: does Epiphany water have a “shelf life”?
There are no two types of Epiphany water. According to the gospel narrative, it was on the night of January 18 to 19 (according to the old style - from the 5th to the 6th) that the Lord entered the Jordanian waters, thereby sanctifying them with his entry. It’s just that different churches serve prayers at their own discretion. Somewhere on the 18th, somewhere on the 19th. This water has healing powers that can strengthen the spirit and body. Therefore, people drink it, wipe themselves with it, wash their faces, apply it to sore spots - and healing occurs.
This water has no shelf life. It can be fresh and have its properties forever. But there is no point in stockpiling it for future use, for many years, since you can renew the reserves for each Epiphany. Epiphany water itself already has such power that even one drop mixed with ordinary tap water can turn it into healing water. This is done when the water runs out quickly, and Epiphany is still far away. Take the leftovers and pour them into regular water.
Why should you take holy water from seven churches for Epiphany?
According to popular belief, holy water collected from seven churches is considered miraculous. The number “seven” generally plays a special role in Christianity. After all, God created the world in just seven days, and such a holy concept as FAMILY contains this mysterious number. Perhaps this is why people look for special meaning in this number. And on Epiphany they go to collect miraculous water from the seven saints.
How to properly use blessed water?
The fact that holy water has a beneficial effect on health can be partly explained from a medical point of view. As you know, holy water should be drunk on an empty stomach. According to medicine, following this advice will remove toxins from the body and cleanse the stomach. The patient should be sprinkled with holy water and wash his face with it. According to Christian canons, it is necessary to rid a house of an unhealthy atmosphere by spraying the corners of rooms, starting from the east, then to the west, north and south, as well as the entrance doors and the patient’s bed, while reading the prayer “In the name of the Father and the Son” and crossing each other in threes times.
Is it true that on Epiphany night absolutely all water becomes holy? Does holy water even flow from the tap?
Is it true. During the Epiphany service, the priest reads a prayer, according to which on this religious holiday ALL water is sanctified. And after midnight on January 18, holy water even flows from the tap. So it is not at all necessary to stand in line for holy water in churches.
Up ▲ — Reader reviews (1) — Write a review ▼ - Print version
| --- | 7 November 2010, 10:41:31 |
A mixture of truth and occultism. Occultism, like our consumer society, tries to adapt God and the grace he bestows to suit its needs: “to be healed,” “to be cleansed,” etc.
Such people will never truly know God. After all, they do not want to accept Him. All that is required of Him is to provide a service.
The seven churches thing is nonsense. And for the above conspiracy, you, the author of the article, will answer to God.
Baptism in Greek means “immersion in water.” All nations adhere to this holiday. In the Church, Epiphany is considered one of the main holidays. What's happened? It takes place on January 19, when people set tables, go swimming in an ice hole or douse themselves with water. There is an opinion that the time of Epiphany on the night of January 18-19 is the time when sacred water flows from the tap. We invite you to take a closer look at this significant holiday.
What is the Baptism of the Lord
On this day, many Christians not only from Russia, but also from all over the world remember where the holiday came from. Let's remember - Baptism, what is it? On January 19, John the Baptist (Baptist) baptized Jesus Christ.
It is with this holiday that the New Year begins according to old traditions.
Today, Epiphany Day is celebrated on the night of January 18-19. People celebrate it in much the same way as Easter. They prepare a delicious dinner, go to Church in the morning and bless water, and much more. Some people like to bless various products, such as sausage, cheese and kutia.
Many people like to go to the ice hole on the morning of January 19, where they swim. There is an opinion that even if it’s frosty outside, it’s still not cold to take a dip. Some are afraid to swim, they think that they might catch a bad cold, because the temperature outside is sub-zero.
In order to absolve sins on the feast of Epiphany, it is advisable to fast for a day. That is, do not eat meat and fatty foods. You need to give preference to lean foods.
Peculiarities of the Epiphany Service
The priest and all church ministers are dressed in white robes on this day. In Epiphany, what is water? It gives strong energy to a person and cleanses him of sins. However, only if you adhere to all the rules.
The very first feature on the day of Epiphany is the blessing of water.
Even if it comes from a tap, nothing will happen to it. will not deteriorate for a very long time. It is often used for human health, the evil eye, cleansing, etc.
The church service begins in the evening on January 18. The next day the priest also conducts a service. Everyone who wants to cleanse themselves and sanctify their water in the church usually goes first to the Divine Service. After the service has passed (2-3 hours), people can get holy water in the church or wait for the priest to bless it himself.
On the day of the Baptism of the Lord, you cannot quarrel or swear. It is advisable to read as many prayers as possible from January 18 to 19. If you don't know them, then just turn to God. You cannot ask him in prayers for money and fame. After all, this is a non-financial God. Ask him not to get sick so that you can earn money for your needs. You will see, if you speak from a pure heart, he will give you health.
Meals before Epiphany
The day before, that is, January 18, you need to stick to a light diet. Be sure to eat kutya on this day, which is made from cereals, honey and raisins. Some people add nuts and sugar to it.
Of course, not only kutya should be eaten at Epiphany. What else is tasty and interesting? Probably nothing. On this day, try to avoid pork, eggs, fish and dairy products.
Try to prepare soup on January 18 without frying vegetables. Place potatoes, carrots and onions (all raw) into the water. Just a little salt. You can sit on this lean soup for one day. In addition to the first course, make porridge (buckwheat, wheat or rice). They will even make you healthier this day. After all, as you know, porridge is very beneficial for the human body.
But on January 19, have a holiday. You can cook chicken in the oven, various salads, cutlets and much more.
Traditions of Epiphany
Any church holiday is intertwined with folk traditions. Baptism in Rus' was given special significance. The girls stopped guessing and testing their fate. They began to go to church, pray and stand at services.
The girls believed that Christmas fortune-telling was a sin. Therefore, they knew that after going to church they were purified.
Today, all the people are preparing for the holiday in advance. People create menus, buy groceries and prepare a variety of foods. They do not change long-standing traditions and also come to church for purification. As in Rus', even now, the priest sanctifies water twice. The first is in the church itself in the font, and the second is in the bathing pond.
If for some reason a person was unable to come to church, he is cleansed by swimming in an ice hole. However, remember that this tradition is optional. There is a risk, so you need to be careful. If you have a heart condition, are weak or have chronic bronchitis, then it is better to avoid swimming in the cold.
In Rus', on the day of Epiphany it was forbidden to wash clothes not only at home, but also in the river, since water is considered holy.
Where to swim on Epiphany
Many citizens are wondering where to swim at Epiphany? The choice is very large. You can swim in any place where there are specially equipped places. For this there must be special steps from which it is easy for a person to descend. There may also be tables where a person can put his clothes. Rescuers are on duty in special places on Epiphany Day. After all, anything can happen. They help in unexpected situations. In these places you can go through the entire bathing ritual.
Many people also dip in unofficial places. It is very dangerous. Where there are no lifeguards or a special entrance to the water, this place can be fatal. So don't take risks. Places of baptism are no different; they are equipped in the same way. Therefore, it is not necessary to travel somewhere far from your home to plunge into holy water. If you have an Epiphany pond nearby, you can safely go there. It is advisable to find out in advance whether there are doctors or rescuers there.
If you want to swim on a holy day, go where there are specially designated places and there are a lot of people. If you don’t know where to swim on Epiphany, it’s better to ask friends who have tried several options.
Proper bathing for Epiphany
You can plunge into this holiday at any age. Of course, you need to be prepared for this ritual both physically and mentally. If you are preparing your child, you must first harden him for a year. Give your baby a contrast shower and dousing with water. At first the water should be warm, gradually turning into colder water.
If you have rheumatism, heart disease or certain chronic diseases, then you need to consult your doctor first. After all, plunging into ice water can cause a person to go into shock.
If you are allowed to swim for Epiphany, follow the rules:
- Swim only in designated areas.
- Go diving accompanied by loved ones; diving alone is very dangerous.
- Do not drink alcohol or cigarettes before swimming. They cause the blood vessels to narrow, which can lead to shock.
- Take a change of warm clothes with you.
- To easily approach the water, shoes should be non-slippery and comfortable.
- It is better not to plunge your head into it, as a sharp narrowing of blood vessels can cause trouble.
- You should not stay in ice water for more than 60 seconds. After all, hypothermia is a very serious test for the body.
- Where there is ice, you should not plunge, it is very dangerous.
- After swimming in ice water, you should rub your body well with a terry blanket or towel to disperse the blood throughout the body, and only then get dressed.
- To prevent hypothermia, drink hot tea immediately after swimming.
The Epiphany of the Lord is a holiday that not only cleanses a person, but also renews him spiritually.
Folk signs for Epiphany
Since ancient times, people have paid attention to the weather and events to determine what spring, summer or autumn will be like. Here are some folk signs:
- If it is clear on this day, but there is frost, there will be little rain in the summer, and there will be little harvest in the fall.
- There is a round full moon at Epiphany - there will be a flood in the spring.
- The night from January 18 to 19 will be clear and there will be many stars - a good harvest for berries in the summer.
- If there is a positive temperature at Epiphany, summer and autumn will be fruitful.
- South wind on January 19 - there will be frequent thunderstorms in the summer.
- Dogs bark at Epiphany - the hunting season will be successful.
- Chickens are not fed on this holiday. It is believed that if they are well-fed on January 19, they will spoil the garden in the summer.
- If Epiphany turns out to be sunny and frosty, the summer will be very hot and dry.
- If at 12:00 noon on January 19 the clouds are blue, you will reap a rich harvest from the garden in the fall.
- A snowstorm on Epiphany means that spring will not soon knock on the window.
- If there is a strong whirlwind on January 19, there will be plenty of honey.
- A snowstorm on Epiphany means that the weather will be the same on Maslenitsa.
- You will be healthy all year long if you swim in an ice hole at dawn on January 19th.
All these signs were considered very important by the people. If the weather really indicated that there would be no harvest, then people would stock up for next year. Over the years, people have become convinced that all the signs are true. Many people are wondering when Epiphany is in 2016. This holiday falls from Monday to Tuesday.
Epiphany water and its features
This water is called agiasma. In Greek it means "shrine". It has long been considered healing. To this day, people remember her if someone in the family is feeling unwell, they give holy water to drink, they wipe their face, hands, and feet. There is an opinion that people are healed. Indeed, it remains a mystery how water can stand for a long time and not spoil.
Scientists have studied ordinary and sacred water. They proved that the second one is indeed close in density to the sacred Jordan River. Its healing properties are explained by the fact that it is on Holy Days that the Earth’s magnetic field is deviated from the norm and magnetizes all water. Scientists have not been able to fully prove this phenomenon. After all, it is on Church holidays that a miracle occurs. So, from a scientific point of view, even the water that flows from the tap on Church holidays becomes perfectly clean and retains its special qualities for decades.
Swimming for Epiphany. Photo: sanrussia.ru
Epiphany is a great Orthodox holiday that has a long history, its own rituals, rules and traditions. It is this holiday that ends the Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19.
The history of the holiday goes back to the distant past, when God's son Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River. This is where the integral tradition of swimming in an ice hole came from.
Every year the number of people who want to plunge into the ice-hole is only growing. However, not everyone knows the basic rules that must be followed when immersing in ice water.
When is the best time to swim?
Many people wonder when it is better to swim - on the eve of the holiday on January 18, or on the Epiphany itself on January 19.
It is believed that January 18 is the best time to go to church for an evening service. There you must read a prayer and take home holy water. However, in this case, you cannot take water from plastic or alcohol bottles. Holy water must have its own container, first washed well.
After the festive evening service, you can swim in the ice hole. The best time for this action is considered to be from 00:00 to 01:30. It was at this time that Epiphany water has the most powerful healing properties that help against any ailments. Of course, not everyone can get up at such a time to swim, so this can be done at any time as early as Epiphany itself on January 19th.
How to plunge into an ice hole correctly
You can plunge into the ice hole only in specially designated areas and under the supervision of rescuers. Initially, a special Jordan in the form of a cross should be carved into the ice; after the priest lowers the crucifix into the water and reads a prayer, you can swim in it.
You can't just go into the water. The body will already be in a state of shock, and if certain rules are not followed, the consequences can be disastrous:
- An hour before swimming, you must eat, but do not drink alcoholic beverages;
- before swimming you need to warm up your body, do a warm-up, go for a run;
- clothes should be simple so that they can be easily taken off and put on;
- You can’t go to the ice hole barefoot, it’s best to wear boots or good woolen socks, you need to wear them so as not to slip;
- check the stability of the ladder or descent into the water;
- You need to enter the water gradually, do not do it abruptly, otherwise you can provoke problems with pressure. Diving into the water is also not recommended, as a state of shock may occur;
- the maximum time spent in water should not exceed 30 seconds, this is enough to take a dip three times;
- You can’t plunge headlong; it’s best to do it only up to your neck. If you plunge headlong, the blood vessels can sharply narrow, this will lead to a sharp drop in temperature and a state of shock in the body;
- try not to swim in cold water, your limbs may cramp;
- if you have a child with you, keep an eye on him; in a state of shock from cold water, he may forget that he can swim;
- when leaving the water, hold the handrails not with wet hands, but with a dry towel;
- After swimming, dry yourself again with a towel;
- To warm up, herbal or berry tea is best, but again, never alcoholic drinks.
What you need to have with you
In order for swimming in the Epiphany ice hole to be successful, you need to have a number of seemingly everyday, but in this case very necessary items with you.
These include:
- towel and terry robe;
- a set of dry clothes;
- swimsuit or change of underwear (you are also allowed to take a dip in it);
- slippers to prevent slipping on ice, and wool socks are best;
- a rubber cap so as not to get your head wet and then not freeze in the cold;
- willpower and desire.
Contraindications
As it turns out, in the case of swimming in an ice hole, there are many contraindications that can not only spoil the effect of this action, but also lead to exacerbations of diseases.
- with the cardiovascular system;
- with the central nervous system - epilepsy, consequences of severe skull injuries; cerebral vascular sclerosis in an advanced stage, syringomyelia; encephalitis, arachnoiditis;
- with the peripheral nervous system - neuritis, polyneuritis;
- with the endocrine system - diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis;
- inflammatory processes of the nasopharynx;
- with the organs of vision - glaucoma, conjunctivitis;
- with the respiratory system - pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma;
- with the genitourinary system - nephritis, cystitis, inflammation of the appendages, inflammation of the prostate gland.
Maria Babich
For traditional Epiphany bathing, 57 places will be prepared at the capital’s reservoirs. Citizens and guests of the capital will be able to take a dip here from 18:00 on January 18 to 12:00 on January 19.
All baths are equipped with comfortable bridges and wooden stairs with railings. Heated changing rooms and toilet stalls will be installed nearby. At night, lighting will be turned on in the area around the swimming pools. Also, everyone will be able to get hot tea.
About 2.5 thousand people will monitor the safety of the events, including doctors, police officers, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, search and rescue stations, and the Moscow city search and rescue service at water bodies. Traffic police officers will control access to swimming areas.
Places for Epiphany bathing
A font for residents of the Central Administrative District will be installed in the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Chisty Vrazhek. In North-East Administrative Okrug you can take a dip in the Palace Pond. In the north of the capital, places for swimming will be installed on the Bolshoi Garden Pond, at the Dynamo water stadium, and also at the address: Pribrezhny Proezd, property 7.
For residents of the North-Western Administrative Okrug, sites will be prepared at the Baryshikha pond in Mitino, the pond in Rozhdestveno, the Derivation Canal, in the Severnoye Tushino recreational and cultural complex, in the Stroginskaya and Kirovskaya floodplains, on Lake Bezdonnoye, Karamyshevskaya embankment (houses 13-15), Aviatsionnaya streets (house 79) and Boat (possession 19).
In the west, Epiphany bathing will be held in Meshchersky Pond and the Moscow River in the area of the village of Rublevo, house 40a on Filevskaya Street and Filevsky Boulevard (house 21).
In the South-Western Administrative District, sites will be equipped on Vorontsovsky, Troparevsky, Chernevsky ponds, as well as on the pond of the Uzkoe sanatorium, on Nakhimovsky Prospekt (house 8) and near the temple in Zakharyin.
Residents of the Southern District are welcome at the Borisovsky, Tsaritsynsky and Beket ponds. And in the southeast of the city the Upper Kuzminsky and Shibaevsky ponds will be accessible.
The Vernissage font will open in the Eastern Administrative District. Everyone will also be able to take a dip in the Holy and White lakes, Terletsky ponds, Krasny, Babaevsky and Oleny ponds. And in Zelenograd, lakes Chernoe and Shkolnoe will become places for Epiphany bathing.
Most of the sites will open in the TiNAO territory - at the following addresses:
— Troitsk, Desna River, recreation area “Zarechye”;
— Treshnya river, Chernetskoye village;
— a pond in the village of Epiphany;
— a pond in the village of Pokrovskoye;
— a pond in the village of Bylovo;
— a pond in the village of Knutovo;
— a pond in the village of Oznobishino;
— a pond in the village of Svinorye;
— pond of the Ulyanovsk forest park;
— a pond in the village of Mosrentgen;
— a font in the village of the Rest House “Pleskovo”;
— font at the Church of the Holy Trinity in the village of Vasyunino;
— a font in the village of DSK “Michurinets”;
— a font in the park “Rucheyok” (Marushkino village);
— a font in the village of Tovarishchevo;
— a font in the village of Evseevo-Kuvekino;
— a font in the village of Puchkovo;
— a font in the village of Shishkin Les.
Tips and safety rules for Epiphany bathing
To swim in an ice hole, take with you a towel, a terry robe, a set of dry clothes, swimming trunks or a swimsuit (underwear, a shirt), a rubber cap and non-slip slippers, or woolen socks.
Before diving, be sure to consult a doctor. Winter swimming is contraindicated for people with kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, as well as diabetes and pregnant women.
You should only swim in specially equipped places where rescuers, doctors, and police are on duty.
Small children should not approach the ice hole without adults.
It is prohibited to bring dogs or other animals with you.
You can’t plunge into the ice hole hungry. It is better to eat at least an hour before swimming.
Do not drink alcohol before swimming.
Undress in specially equipped tents.
Before plunging, it is advisable to do several squats and bends.
When approaching the ice hole, stand alone, as the ice may not support a large number of people.
Be careful when descending into the hole. If there are stairs, hold on to the railing.
Never dive into the hole head first. After dipping three times, don’t linger, make room for the next ones.
If you have a child with you, keep an eye on him as he dives into the hole. A frightened child can easily forget that he can swim.
When you get out of the water, dry yourself with a towel and get dressed immediately; do not stay in the cold for long. If you feel chills, you need to immediately get dressed or cover yourself with a blanket, drink hot tea, preferably herbal.
If possible, move to a warm room. If your health suddenly deteriorates, contact doctors, rescuers or police officers.
Under medical supervision
60 visiting teams of the Scientific and Practical Center for Emergency Medical Care, as well as the Ambulance and Emergency Medical Care Station named after A.S. will be on duty at the Epiphany bathing sites. Puchkova.
Three additional medical teams will be organized at ambulance substations in TiNAO. Doctors from the Scientific and Practical Center for Emergency Medical Care will also be on duty at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Epiphany Cathedral and the Patriarchal Metochion of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity.
@sergeevna174
Epiphany water is sacred, has healing powers, carries a powerful charge of faith, and has its own memory. Swimming on Epiphany in the cold is a tradition that has passed down through the centuries. Not only has it not lost its significance, but it has also gained popularity among both young people and the older generation. Swimming in an ice hole has become not only a matter of faith, but also a fashion trend.
From what date can you swim for Epiphany 2019
Many people ask the question: when do they swim in the ice hole for baptism 2019? You can take a dip in the invigorating water as early as January 18, 2019, but you need to do this only after the evening service in the church, these are the rules, there is no need to break them and check what will happen if you swim earlier. And January 19 is the day when all water becomes holy. You can swim throughout the day until midnight.
Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River on January 19, but you can plunge into the ice hole and accept God’s grace on January 18 after the evening service.
Is it necessary to swim in an ice hole at Epiphany?
In ancient times, the holiday of Epiphany was expected for Orthodox people; swimming in a frosty ice hole was expected with trepidation and anticipation. There were exceptions, but bathing to wash away sins was a necessity. They plunged into ice water to improve their health, no matter how paradoxical it may sound.
Do as your inner voice tells you - it’s better to listen to it. But you need to wash yourself with holy water and go to church to get holy water. Holy water can protect against the evil eye and damage; it is used to wash babies when they begin to cry.
Is bathing beneficial?
From a biological point of view, the body is under severe stress. Sudden cooling leads to rapid constriction of blood vessels and a jump in blood pressure. The hormonal system also releases adrenaline and serotonin. Hence, after bathing, there is an incredible lightness and state of exaltation, this is how the hormone of joy works.
But an unprepared person can get sick after swimming. The female reproductive system does not tolerate hypothermia, and inflammation of the appendages can occur, which can lead to obstruction of the fallopian tubes and infertility in severe cases.
Men may experience prostatitis, the number of sperm decreases, but their motility increases.
After a one-time swim in ice-cold water, there is no addiction, and winter swimming is reminiscent of drug addiction. People become walruses to experience the release of the hormone of happiness, but with constant diving into the ice hole, less and less of it is produced, and depression can occur.
How many days do they swim for Epiphany?
Epiphany happened on the Epiphany of the Lord. God appeared on Earth in three of his guises at once. God the Father is the voice of God, which a believer can hear while washing in a frosty font; God the Son is Jesus himself. Anyone who bathes in an ice hole touches the divine, is spiritually cleansed, filled with light power, joy and energy, which is capable of healing internal illnesses. God - the holy spirit - is a dove that appeared at the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Seeing pigeons near temples is a good sign.
Epiphany water remains holy for a week. You can swim all week, but it is better to do it on Epiphany Eve - January 18 or on the holiday itself - January 19.
Who should not swim?
All rules have their exceptions. Parents decide when small children can bathe, although children do not need to be bathed until the age of three.
If you have heart or vascular diseases, then it is also better to avoid diving. A sharp jump in blood pressure can lead to heart failure and cardiac arrest.
Swimming is dangerous for people suffering from asthma, kidney, liver and gall bladder diseases.
There are no exceptions for epilepsy; diving into an ice hole is contraindicated for people with this disease.
Some people believe that before immersing yourself in ice water you can slightly boost your body with alcohol, but this is not necessary. Orthodox holidays allow drinking Cahors during communion, but before and after swimming in the ice hole it is better to avoid drinking strong drinks.
Allergy sufferers and people prone to convulsions should also refrain from full immersion; it is better to wash their face with holy water.
How to prepare for swimming
The first thing you need to do is listen to yourself. What does the inner voice say? If a person is not mentally ready to swim, then there is no need to force him. Then you should visit the church, and only then go swimming.
If people are in the mood for swimming, then it is better to prepare for the ritual in advance: drink immunostimulating drugs, start hardening at least 2-3 months before the holiday, take a cold or contrast shower in the morning.
Before immersing yourself in ice water, you need to gradually undress, let your body get used to the surrounding temperature, so the water will be warmer. In the ice hole, the water temperature is +4°C, while the air temperature can reach -30°C.
After diving, you need to rub yourself with a towel, drink hot tea, but not boiling water. The drink should not burn.
Behavior rules
When swimming in winter, you need to adhere to a number of rules. Before diving, you should carefully walk along a path or path; it will be slippery from the water flowing from the bodies of those who have already swam. Near the ladder, you need to make sure that it is well installed, stable and safe. You cannot push around near the ice hole and play around, so as not to accidentally fall into the icy window and push those present.
There is no need to swim in an ice hole, even if it seems that the water is not cold, but at a comfortable temperature, this state is deceptive. It's better not to dive in head first.
What clothes can you swim in?
Nowadays, people are increasingly swimming in ice holes in summer swimsuits and swimming trunks. This is not entirely correct. Christ plunged into the waters of the Jordan naked. But this is impossible to do in urban or rural areas. For these purposes, it is better to purchase a separate shirt. Clothing should be such that it can be easily and quickly removed after swimming.
In shoes or barefoot
Everyone decides this for themselves. Initially we swam barefoot. City services are preparing a place for the Epiphany ice hole, equipping it with warm tents and hot tea. There is unlikely to be anything sharp in the snow that could hurt your leg. But it is better if the shoes are not rubber. You need to choose shoes so that they are not slippery in the cold, otherwise it will be difficult to leave the Epiphany font and go to the locker room.
How many times do you need to plunge?
Believers believe that you need to plunge into the ice hole 3 times, be in the water for no more than a minute and not swim, but leave immediately.
Before swimming, you need to go to church for confession, first cleanse your soul, and only then wash away your sins. The bathing ritual itself is a secondary matter; it does not need to be performed, but you need to visit the temple to receive a blessing.
Should I plunge headlong or not?
There are many nerve endings on the head; if they get cold, an inflammatory process can begin. Sometimes deaths occurred during immersion in the font with one's head. Therefore, the first time you should refrain from complete immersion. And when diving headlong into the water, you need to mentally say: “In the name of the father” - the first dive; “son” – second dive; “and the Holy Spirit” – third immersion. Then quickly leave the ice hole, rub your body with a towel, change clothes and drink hot tea. You can improve your health or lose it.
Is it possible for representatives of other religions to swim?
God is one, the church does not prohibit representatives of other religions from bathing at Epiphany. If a person feels that he must do this, hears an inner voice, then God himself calls him. And it doesn’t matter what faith a person adheres to, whether he is Catholic or Muslim.
In Russia, on the eve of the holiday, Jordan is cut down in reservoirs - this is an ice hole in the shape of a cross. In Greece, the bishop sanctifies the sea and throws a cross into it, and the believers dive.
All believers can swim: Orthodox, Muslims, Catholics, and representatives of other religions. There would be faith, willpower and desire, lack of fear of frost.
The church calendar allocates 2 days for swimming. Holy water can be collected throughout Epiphany week.
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