Draft:Epiphany bathing

Christian tradition of ritual bathing during the feast of Epiphany

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Bathing in an ice font on the feast of the Epiphany

Epiphany bathing is a ritual Christian practice of immersing oneself in water during the Feast of Epiphany, most commonly observed in Eastern Orthodox countries. The custom is especially popular in Russia, Ukraine, and parts of Eastern Europe, where believers plunge into icy rivers, lakes, or specially prepared holes cut in the ice to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.^[1][2]

Origins and symbolism

The bathing tradition derives from Christian commemorations of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Immersion in cold, blessed water is viewed as an act of purification, spiritual renewal, and reaffirmation of faith.^[3][4]

Regional traditions

Russia and Eastern Europe

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

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

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

In modern times, Epiphany bathing has become both a religious and cultural phenomenon, attracting secular participants as well as the devout. Media frequently cover the event as a spectacle of faith and endurance, with images of bathers plunging into freezing waters circulated worldwide.^[11]

Public health authorities regularly warn about the risks of hypothermia, heart strain, and accidents during the icy ritual, especially for those with preexisting medical conditions.^[1]

See also

• Feast of Epiphany
• Baptism of Jesus
• Water and religion

References

1. "Orthodox Christians brave an icy dip to mark Epiphany". BBC. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
2. "Russian Orthodox believers take icy plunge on Epiphany Day". Reuters. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
3. "Epiphany bathing rites - tradition or new trend? The Presidential Library's collections looking for answers". Presidential Library of Russia. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
4. "Frozen Traditions, The Epiphany Swim". Russian Life. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
5. "In Russia, Epiphany Comes With A Shockingly Cold Swim". NPR. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
6. "Russians Brave the Ice in Annual Epiphany Swim". The Moscow Times. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
7. "Russians take traditional Epiphany dips in freezing waters". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
8. "The Russian Orthodox Epiphany and Ice-Swimming". Express to Russia.
9. "Orthodox Christians mark Epiphany with icy plunge". The Straits Times. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
10. "Epiphany in the Jordan River". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
11. "Read All About The Icy Plunge Of Epiphany Bathing In Russia And Eastern Europe". travel.earth. Retrieved 21 January 2020.