Epiphany

 

Since in Ukraine now passed  holiday baptism I decided to share part of our Ukrainian tradition with you my friends

 
Baptism is one of the main Christian holidays. It begins on the evening of January 18, when all the Orthodox celebrate Epiphany Eve

On the eve, as well as on the day of the feast of Baptism, a custom was made to baptize catechumens, and water was consecrated on water and in temples. The water that was consecrated on this day is the greatest shrine that can heal the soul and body. They try to keep it throughout the year, consecrating things as needed, taking it as a medicine during illness, etc.

Our ancestors had a lot of customs, which must be fulfilled by every family and every home. For example, here is a custom associated with holy water: the hostess in the house had a special pitcher, which was used only for Epiphany water, it was snowed on the day of the feast, and after it became water - was taken to the cellar and used the whole year in case of illness.

Epiphany Traditions

There are many epiphany traditions and rituals that have developed over the long millennia. One of the most popular and well-known traditions is the preparation of festive kutya from rice or wheat with the addition of raisins, poppy, honey, dried apricots and prunes. All the members of the family sat down at a large festive table, which was attended by kutya, Uzvar, vareniki, pancakes, buns, fish dishes, porridges, and waited together for the appearance of the first star in the sky. Only after that it was possible to break fast, because before the Epiphany you must observe a strict fast.

Of course, the main tradition is water baptism. Water was consecrated in wells and springs, and if there was no such possibility, then within the walls of the temple. This rite is held in our days. The priest lowers the cross into a special hole. The ice-hole is called "Jordan", and the water consecrated in it is "great agias", which means a great shrine. They believe that this water is as miraculous and holy as the water of the Jordan, into which Jesus entered.

It also became a nationwide tradition of bathing at Epiphany. Especially often in the openings can be found people suffering from any diseases that believe in their healing miraculous water. In addition, those who dressed up and changed during the celebration of the New Year, should also plunge into the holy waters to be cleansed from sin. In the courtyards of the temples you can see long lines from people who want to consecrate water. However, those who could not come to the service, can draw water from any water body on Epiphany night. It is believed that in all sources at this time the water is gaining its healing power.