Baptism is one of the main holidays for Christians. It completes the Christmastide, which for Orthodox Christians lasts from January 7 to 19. The beginning of the holiday is Epiphany Eve, which is celebrated on January 18th.
Instructions
Step 1
Epiphany is celebrated annually on January 6 by Catholics and January 19 by Orthodox Christians. It is dedicated to the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. In ancient times, when this event occurred, only adults who consciously came to faith were baptized. It is not surprising that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of thirty.
Step 2
This holiday also has a second name - Epiphany. Because when Christ was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on him in the guise of a dove, and the voice of God the Father came from heaven, declaring him his son. Thus, another significant event took place - the appearance of the triune Deity.
Step 3
In churches on this day, the consecration of water takes place. In ancient times, the ceremony was performed on the banks of a river or lake. There they drilled a hole in the shape of a cross and called it Jordan. Then the priest prayed over the water and lowered the church cross into the hole. After that, the water was considered baptized. The parishioners recruited it into the vessels they brought with them and carried it home.
Step 4
It was believed that baptismal water heals from diseases, endows a person with vigor and health. Therefore, the custom appeared to swim in the ice-hole. The sick tried to plunge into the Epiphany ice-hole, hoping for a speedy recovery. Bathing was compulsory for those who walked in mummers during Christmas time. Thus, they washed off the "demonic guise" from themselves.
Step 5
Currently, water is no longer taken from rivers and lakes. It is consecrated in the church, and then poured out to everyone. The custom of swimming in the ice-hole has survived to this day, but few dare to do so.
Step 6
With the help of Epiphany water, they tried to protect themselves from evil spirits. To do this, sprinkled with it all the corners in the house, yard and outbuildings. Throughout the year, they tried to consume a small amount of Epiphany water on an empty stomach. It was believed that it gives a person strength that strengthens health and protects against all negative influences.
Step 7
Unlike Christmas and Christmastide, Epiphany is not associated with noisy celebrations, fortune-telling, songs or dances. But there are many beliefs and signs. For example, they tried to determine the weather of the coming summer by the weather at Epiphany. If the day was sunny and frosty, they expected a hot and hot summer. Many beliefs were associated with human destiny. It was believed that if a baby is baptized on this day, his whole life will be happy. If matchmaking takes place at Epiphany, the young couple will live their whole life in love and harmony. Baptism ends the winter cycle of the Great Annual Holidays.
