Epiphany is a holiday that has been celebrated since the times of ancient Russia. To date, not many people know about the beliefs associated with January 19. However, the traditions that guided our ancestors still exist, and it is worth learning about them for a modern person.
It was forbidden to cry on Epiphany. According to folk signs, it follows that by such an action you can attract various troubles and adversities to yourself. You will cry at Epiphany, you will shed tears all year.
Melted snow for Epiphany
On Epiphany, young girls went to the fields and collected snow there. Our ancestors believed that you need to wash your face with melt water in order not to lose your beauty and become even more attractive to your chosen one. In addition, the canvases were bleached with the snow that fell on Epiphany. Therefore, already grown-up and married women also went out into the field.
It was believed that on the night of Epiphany, snow had healing and miraculous properties. It was specially collected and then melted to be used for the treatment of various diseases, including skin diseases.
Beliefs about Epiphany water
On Christmas Eve, they went to the springs for Epiphany water. People believed that the water on the night of Epiphany became healing and possessed incredible divine power.
It was believed that whoever was the first to collect consecrated water in an ice-hole or in a well would not be sick this year. And if the water is spilled, spilled or not brought to the house, then a quick and difficult death will come to a person.
Children born on Christmastide had to be bathed in an ice-hole on the night of Epiphany so that they would gain strength from the holy water.
Baptism rituals and signs
The oldest woman in the house had to count the tablecloths before the holiday so that there would always be good guests in the house.
If on the night of Epiphany a bird flew to the window and knocked on the glass with its beak, then the souls of the departed want to be prayed for and lit candles.
If someone from the family had a long way to go that day, then they should not take out the trash and shovel out the ashes, so that no trouble would happen to the person.
On the evening of January 18, crosses were drawn over the front doors and windows so that no evil and evil spirits could enter the house or harm family members in any way.
Baptism matchmaking foreshadowed happiness in family life.
