Orthodox people celebrate Epiphany, or Epiphany, on January 19, and the day before, on the 18th, they celebrate Epiphany Christmas Eve. Among believers there is a popular tradition - to bathe on this day. How to plunge into the hole at Baptism, so as not to harm your health? We will try to deal with this issue.
Baptism is an important event in the Orthodox religion
On this day, believers celebrate two events in the history of religion at once - the baptism of the Son of God by John the Baptist in the waters of the river, which was called the Jordan, and the appearance of the Trinity of God, that is, Theophany. They say that from the moment of Baptism, Jesus Christ began to come out to people.
Epiphany completes the cycle of Christmas holidays and requires special preparation. Just as a strict fast is observed before Christmas, so on the eve of Theophany it is necessary to adhere to the same strict Epiphany Christmas Eve.
Bathing in Jordan - healing of soul and body
For the holiday, they make a hole in the shape of a cross and call it “Jordan”, the name of the river in which Jesus was baptized. On the night of January 19, absolutely all water becomes holy, even from the tap. But on this day, believers still go to church in order to bless it and light a candle. used to cure diseases, strengthen morale and physical strength, remove the evil eye and damage. Holy liquid can be washed or drunk in small sips. She sanctifies housing with all belongings, as well as a barn where living creatures are kept. But dipping into an ice hole for Baptism is an optional procedure, especially if a person is not ready for this either mentally or physically. This step should be approached consciously and with faith in the heart.
Diving into the hole for Epiphany is an act that not everyone can do. First, frost and ice water it is very difficult to endure, even from a psychological point of view, and secondly, some believers are forbidden to do this for health reasons.
How to plunge into the hole at Epiphany? Under this procedure is meant a threefold ablution, not necessarily with the head. Before this, you must definitely cross yourself and say a prayer, traditionally this is “Our Father”.
What happens to the human body when immersed in ice water
Bathing in the hole at Epiphany is possible even without a special hardening procedure. The human body is accustomed to periodic cold weather, which allows you to endure low temperature. It is very important to prepare mentally before bathing in an ice hole for Epiphany, and also to observe everything. Next, we will consider what are the main processes that occur in the human body during immersion in cold water.
- As soon as the human body comes into contact with ice water, the central part of the brain instantly awakens, its work intensifies.
- Ultra-low temperature is perceived by the body as a strong stress. Basically, this situation has a positive effect - anesthesia occurs, spasm passes, inflammation is removed and swelling decreases.
- When immersed in water, the temperature of the human body reaches forty degrees. At first glance, this is very bad, but in fact there is no harm from it. This temperature lasts literally a few seconds, and during this short time various microbes, harmful bacteria, and viruses manage to die in the body.
For whom is such a sacrament taboo?
How to plunge into the hole at Baptism, so as not to harm yourself? Before you go swimming, you need to consult a doctor. After all, there are many people for whom such events are taboo. There is various diseases, in which swimming in the hole at Epiphany is strictly prohibited, as this can be fatal.
These include such pathologies:
- hypertension, angina high pressure fraught with a sudden sharp vasoconstriction, which can lead to such serious consequences as a stroke;
- hypotension (low pressure) - a sharp change in temperature is fraught with fainting, after which a person's life is already completely dependent on rescuers and doctors;
- inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, ears);
- problems of the cardiovascular system;
- epileptic seizures, traumatic brain injury, atherosclerosis;
- neuritis, polyneuritis;
- high blood sugar, thyrotoxicosis;
- eye diseases;
- pathologies (tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma);
- inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- digestive diseases (ulcer, enterocolitis, hepatitis);
- venereal diseases;
- allergic reaction to cold.
Benefits of winter swimming
After hardening the body with cold, it is worth noting the following positive points:
Cons of winter swimming
It should be remembered that at the same time as the pluses there are often minuses:
- breathing becomes frequent and deep;
- there is a very fast heartbeat, there is a high probability of developing arrhythmia, hypertension;
- the level of sugar in the blood rises significantly, which can provoke the development of diabetes;
- increases cholesterol in the blood, which is fraught with the appearance of atherosclerosis;
- immunity against oncology is suppressed;
- the protective functions of the body, aimed at combating seasonal influenza and SARS viruses, are violated.
General principles of hardening
If you decide to harden your body, you must remember that three factors play a huge role in this matter: and sunlight.
There are some general simple rules:
How to plunge into the hole at Epiphany? Now let's try to deal with this issue. If you decide to plunge for the first time, then decide why you need it. Well, if this is real faith, however, many perform the sacrament for the company of friends or because they lost an argument. You need to go into the hole only with true faith and a short but sincere prayer. Words that are addressed to God must come from a pure heart, and charge water with great power (at least, the Orthodox believe in this).
What to bring?
- Terry towel and warm bathrobe.
- Comfortable non-slip shoes.
- Dry warm clothes.
- Swimsuit or swimming trunks.
- Thermos with tea.
- Willpower and desire.
Ten Rules to Avoid
Based on the above information, we can distinguish the rules for bathing in the hole for Baptism, which in no case should be neglected:
- consultation with a doctor;
- the right choice of hole;
- availability of all necessary things;
- warming up before dipping;
- refusal to dive with your head;
- compliance with the time spent in the water;
- the use of warm warming drinks;
- abstinence from alcohol.
If the very thought of bathing causes horror, then this should not be done. Don't forget to pray. Let this bathing bring you only the desired cleansing and benefit.
According to beliefs, on this day the water in rivers and other bodies of water acquires miraculous power and can even heal. It is not surprising that such a healing bath is becoming more and more popular every year. If this year you decide to plunge into the hole, prepare for this event.
To dive or not to dive?
Each person, before “tuning in” for the first time to diving into an ice hole, asks more than one question: is it possible for me to dive? what is needed for that? won't it harm your health? Is there any way to prepare for this in advance? It is these questions that we will touch upon today, because Baptism is just around the corner, which means we need to “arm ourselves” with the knowledge necessary in this matter.
Everyone who has once doused with cold water or taken such a shower knows the feeling of an incredible surge of strength. Diving into an ice hole gives the same effect, only ten times more. And this is not just a feeling, but a well-founded scientific fact: during stress (and diving into ice water is just stress for the body), the adrenal glands “throw out” anti-stress hormones into the blood in a fairly large amount, unusual for the body. , while activating all systems of the human body and mobilizing its protective functions to the maximum.
It has been proven that people involved in systemic winter swimming are much less likely to get sick and even in old age are quite energetic and cheerful.
Due to the expansion of blood vessels, blood circulation improves and, accordingly, the “delivery” of nutrients to the cells of the body is accelerated, which increases the possibilities nervous system, muscle tone is strengthened, and there is also a quick “exit” of toxins from the body.
10 Tips for Preparing for Ice Swimming
With proper preparation for immersion in ice water and in the absence of serious contraindications, a person with “average” health can endure a one-time dive without much difficulty.
Of course, it is highly advisable to consult with your general practitioner before this “extreme” procedure and follow the 10 basic rules.
In 2-3 days, start accustoming your body to the cold: take a contrast shower for several days, and then pour cold water over it, but not in the shower, but from a basin or bucket.
3-5 days before diving, minimize the intake of foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, rose hips, greens. These products stimulate the human immune system quite strongly, and diving into the hole is one of the sharpest “stimulants”, therefore, if you “go too far” with this matter, the opposite effect will go on and immunity will begin to fall. This nuance must be taken into account for several days after diving, as the adrenal glands continue to release potent anti-inflammatory hormones for a couple of days.
Prepare comfortable clothing that is both easy to take on and easy to put on. It is desirable that it does not have buttons (a maximum of easily fastened zippers), laces, so that when you get out of the water you can easily get dressed without having time to freeze. You can also bring a rug with you to stand on while drying off.
Two hours before diving, you need to eat a hearty meal (but not before diving itself), since when diving, the body will begin to use your “fuel” to the maximum for its heating, capturing all the resources of the body.
If you are new to this business, then you should not start diving into an ice hole at a temperature of -10 ° C - this is quite dangerous. It is better to experiment at a temperature of 3 to 5 degrees below zero. If the air temperature drops below -7, you should not plunge headlong.
An ice hole must be chosen properly equipped, with a reliable ladder or with a shallow shore.
Before diving, you need to warm up thoroughly, using squats, waving your arms, jumping - so the body will better tolerate immersion in icy water.
Entering the water should not be too slow and not too fast - try to make the dive as "smooth" as possible.
In no case should you drink alcohol before diving, as it will be more difficult for the body to warm up after that, and rupture of blood vessels is also possible. “After”, if you really want to, then you can take it for warming - take a couple of sips.
After diving, dressed in dry clothes, it is best to warm up with hot tea.
It is not recommended to “overdo it” with swimming in the hole, otherwise the body will start to overcool. The optimal time for being in ice water is 10 seconds. This applies to "non-professionals" in this matter. During this time, you can just have time to plunge according to tradition three times - and this will be quite enough. And your friends or relatives will also have time to take a photo :)
Who can't dive?
Not everyone can be involved in "holy" diving:
due to the increase in the level of sugar by the adrenal glands, such bathing is contraindicated for people suffering from diabetes;
hypertensive patients and people suffering from arrhythmia should also not take part in diving, as a hypertensive crisis, heart attack or stroke can be provoked due to increased pressure;
diving is not recommended for diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
“Ice” diving is contraindicated for expectant mothers, as vascular stress can provoke premature contractions.
The choice is yours - and who is ready mentally and physically, all have a nice dive and holy bath. Be healthy!
Ritual immersion in water is not done for entertainment, but clothes for him have to be chosen very frivolously - beach. Because of this, it turns out that from year to year many people find themselves in front of an ice hole in a form that does not lead to magnificent thoughts: we choose swimsuits and swimming trunks to go to the beach not to look modest and neat in them.
The result is a selection of comical photographs of men and women in an inappropriate form for a religious holiday. What to wear so as not to become the hero of funny photos?
Epiphany bathing on Revolution Square in Moscow, January 2016
Artem Sizov/Gazeta.RuFor pilgrims going to Israel to take a ritual bath in the Jordan River (now this can only be done in a specially equipped place for this in Yardenit), this problem has been solved: they either buy or rent long white shirts - only in them and you can dive into this river. In Russia, bound by Epiphany frosts, a long shirt is not the best option for one reason: when you leave the water, a wet shirt instantly becomes ice and sticks to your body.
There are people who still dip in long T-shirts - usually they are experienced bathers who have been practicing Epiphany washing for many years in a row.
They not only know how to properly plunge into ice water, but also know how to prepare for this action. Going to Epiphany bathing, they prepare a set of things that will help to quickly restore physical condition. And everyone is advised.
The set is simple: terry bathrobe, two large towels (for body and hair), woolen socks. To avoid the risk of bruises and loss of sensation in the legs, it is recommended not to refuse rubber slippers - it is better not to go down into the hole barefoot. And do not forget about warm clothes that you will change into after swimming: a sweater (or two is better), warm trousers, a scarf, a hat and mittens.
Most men and women plunge into the hole in beachwear. And you can choose the right one.
The choice of real men
Men should pay attention to the style of swimming trunks, in which they will find themselves in front of an ice hole. There are many varieties of swimwear for men, but apart from those designed for professional swimmers, divers and surfers, there are several types of swimming trunks for the general public.
The first are slips and briefs, these are bathing shorts made of dense material that completely open the hips (I would like to say, of course, slim). Slips and briefs differ in the degree of frankness: the last side seam is rather narrow, so they look completely open. Both slips and briefs, quite popular in Russia, are suitable only for men with a good figure on the beach.
On Epiphany night, they should not be worn, even if you want to show off an athletic physique. This is not the time to show off the results of going to the gym.
The second type of bathing suit is short shorts, which can be either loose or tight. It's generally perfect option- both for the beach and for the hole: moderately open, they hide everything you need, but at the same time do not interfere with movement. But the third option - Bermuda shorts, popular in the USA, that is, long shorts, although it will help to look like a modest and decent man, after leaving cold water instantly icy, and the legs will be very, very unpleasant.
Come on girls
Women should approach the choice of a bathing suit for Epiphany with special responsibility - after all, this is not a fashion show or a photo shoot for Instagram against the backdrop of sand and palm trees. In order to avoid malicious comments from deeply religious believers, we recommend giving preference to modest models of swimsuits.
From the styles of "Plunge" (one-piece swimsuit with a deep neckline that reaches the navel) and "Monokini" (one-piece swimsuit with cuts on the sides or in the abdomen) should definitely be abandoned. Firstly, they look too sexy, and therefore inappropriate. Secondly, in the conditions of the Russian winter, you will look just stupid. Still, at minus 11 (and weather forecasters promise just such an air temperature in the capital region for baptism), the last thing you will think about is how effectively the swimsuit emphasizes your forms.
Despite the fact that classic one-piece swimsuits look modest, you should not wear them for Epiphany bathing.
It will be more difficult to change clothes from such a model, and it will be colder to leave the hole. Still, wet tissue on the body delivers particular discomfort.
The best solution would be separate swimsuits without sexual details. This is especially true for panties: classic thongs, thongs, ropes and a tanga model are best left for other occasions. For Epiphany bathing, slips and shorts are suitable.
Choose the top depending on the features of the figure. So, women with a magnificent bust should not wear a classic bodice of two triangles with thin straps. A halter (a model that ties on the back and visually lifts the chest) will also look vulgar. Better take a look at the gang. Those who by nature got a small chest were a little more lucky: you can afford any top.
Every year more and more Russians take part in the celebration of Epiphany, one of the biggest Christian holidays.
It is believed that on this day a person who has plunged into the baptismal reservoir washes away all sins and leaves the font cleansed and renewed. Is it really?
History of custom
The history of the Epiphany holiday is inextricably linked with the name of the Forerunner of Jesus - John the Baptist. This Jewish saint preached the need to cleanse the people from sins. As a sign of determination to part with an unrighteous life, he baptized the penitent by dipping into the waters of the Jordan River.
One day, Jesus and His disciples came to him to perform the sacrament of Baptism. Although John immediately knew who Jesus was, the rite was performed, and all the people saw how the Holy Spirit descended on Christ, washed by river water, in the form of a dove. Orthodox Christians annually commemorate this event. Another name for this day is Epiphany (Epiphany).
Traditions of the celebration of Epiphany
Traditionally, Epiphany is celebrated on a nearby natural reservoir - a river, lake or even the sea. On the eve, Orthodox Christians attend an evening church service, where the blessing of water takes place. On this evening, many bring with them vessels with water, which then stands for a whole year without spoiling. Upon returning home, you must:
- drink a few sips of water;
- sprinkle the whole house inside and out, outbuildings and other property with baptismal water;
- pour some water into the well;
- Wash yourself with holy water at dawn.
The rest of the water should be hidden and used in cases of illness of one of the family members as a medicine.
Swimming in an ice-hole - a baptismal custom?
In our time, the custom of baptism to plunge into the hole after the rite of blessing the water is becoming more widespread. It is believed that this is an ancient Russian custom. However, if we turn to the ancient liturgical books and annals, we can find out that in ancient times everything was not quite like this.
Only those parishioners who “dressed up” at Christmas time, that is, gave themselves too much freedom, participating in a pagan rite, for which it was necessary to pull on the skin of an animal, plunged into the hole for Baptism.
Christmas fun in the first years after the baptism of Russia preserved many pagan traditions and was very far from chastity. It is not surprising that after the stormy holidays, some needed to be cleansed of pagan filth.
However, nowhere is it said that one should not swim in the Epiphany hole - as well as the fact that this bathing is an indispensable part of the rite. If a person feels a spiritual need to undergo this cleansing action, then it will certainly benefit the soul and body.
The symbolic meaning of Baptism
As is known from the Old Testament, water in the biblical tradition represents the beginning of life. From the water fertilized by the Holy Spirit, everything that exists on Earth and the Earth itself arose. But it can also play the role of a destructive element, as during the Flood, when all life disappeared in the water, except for the righteous Noah and his family.
Therefore, it was water that was used for Baptism. Plunging into the water, a person dies to the old sinful life and is born renewed and sinless. He has a chance to cleanse himself of filth and start a new, clean life according to the rules that Jesus Christ commanded.
The main renewal takes place not at all in the body, but in the soul of a person. Many of those who have decided to dive into an ice font claim that this unforgettable feeling really brings peace and purity to the soul.
To the surprise of doctors, the percentage of those who caught a cold and fell ill after Epiphany bathing is extremely small. Of course, everyone decides for himself whether he needs to dive into the water for Baptism, but among those who went to this test, there are practically no disappointed ones.
Very soon, already on January 19, Orthodox Christians will celebrate one of the main church holidays - the Baptism of the Lord. in the minds ordinary people, even those who are far from believing in God, this celebration is associated with bathing in fonts, which are usually cut through in open reservoirs. But is this ritual obligatory? With this question, the correspondent of the portal site turned to the rector of the Khabarovsk Transfiguration Cathedral, Archpriest Georgy Sivkov.
Bathing in the hole for Epiphany is not a mandatory ritual
- Tell us about the traditions of the celebration of the Epiphany. Where did it all start?
- The tradition has been going on since the first centuries of Christianity. Celebrated by prayerful communion with the Lord. Initially, the Nativity of Christ and the Baptism of the Lord were celebrated on the same day, although the difference between these events is 30 years. Later they were separated, and the time interval between us was called Christmas time. Each of these holidays was preceded and is now preceded by a one-day fast - Christmas Eve. We need it in order to reverently prepare ourselves for the meeting of these events from the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In general, any religious holiday based on some individual examples from the life of the Lord, mother of God or saints. All this is connected with the salvation of man. The Baptism of the Lord is remembered for us by the fact that Jesus Christ showed us an example of accepting this sacrament. He did not need the washing away of sins, since he himself was sinless, but he did it out of obedience to the law and the rules of God. With his nature, the Lord sanctified the water and now his followers have the opportunity to touch him.
If a person does not believe in God, but at the same time takes part in the baptismal ablution, will he feel any changes in himself?
If you take water or be baptized in Jordan without faith in the Lord, then a person will not feel any purification spiritually. If there is faith, then together with the water he receives the grace of God. For a Christian, this can be a new starting point, because behind him he leaves everything that was before. Epiphany water is connected with God's grace, but I repeat, it is accepted only when a person believes.
Tell me, is it necessary to plunge into the cold Jordan, equipped on the river or some other body of water, at the Epiphany of the Lord?
No it's just folk tradition that entered our lives. In the church rules there are no regulations on bathing on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Everything needs to be approached in a certain reasonable degree. But the church goes to meet the desires of people, but at the same time explaining what framework is needed to observe reverence for holy water.
The church is against any outdoor pools being consecrated. Such requests come regularly. We explain that no entertainment or mass bathing should take place when the ordinance is performed. It is necessary to treat the holiday with respect.
- Are there human actions on this holiday that the church does not encourage?
It is not allowed to approach the sacrament of Baptism while intoxicated. Bathing just for the sake of boasting to acquaintances or friends is also condemned. In our country, often the first thing people do after dipping is photographs in social media spread. This is some kind of vanity.
- How to properly approach ablution?
You need to tune in that you are making an impromptu sacrifice to God, performing a small feat. Good thoughts are important. It is in this mood that it is important to go into the water. It is advisable to avoid swimming in swimming trunks or bathing suits - it is advisable to put on a special long christening shirt. They are used for ablutions in holy springs, for example.
Before entering the water, you need to cross yourself one or three times, read a prayer. More knowledgeable people can sing the troparion to the Baptism of the Lord. But all this is a personal desire. In fact, there are no strict rules - only traditions.
- The opinion was firmly established among the people that bathing on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord cleanses from sins. Is it so?
No, it's not. There are the sacraments of repentance and confession, to which a Christian, if he desires and corrects his life, must resort. A man in the presence of a priest asks God for forgiveness, and he reads a permissive prayer over him. This is how they receive forgiveness of sins. Of course, we personally must turn to God. But to enter the water and you immediately removed all the sins, then there is no such thing. This is not possible without repentance.
- If a person wants to take a bath, but the hole in the river is not for him, then where else can this be done?
Some temples have their own closed fonts. For example, in the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, it will be freely available on holidays. Most often, people come with children or those who, for health reasons, are not suitable for swimming in open cold water.
- Do the clergy themselves plunge into the open Jordan on holidays?
Well, speaking of me, then recent years Three I didn't do it, but before that it was. In general, many priests do not dip and did not dip at all. In general, it is not customary for us to ask about this - this is a personal matter for everyone.
- Is it possible to dip in Jordan before it is officially consecrated?
- Well, after all, the main thing is worship. This is the sacrament of confession and communion, and the font is only an addition. And it’s so easy to come and swim ... well, let them swim. But this is unlikely to apply to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We must still think that the church is not only mass bathing and the consecration of eggs for Easter - this is all secondary. If you stop there, you will never get close to God.
On the day of Epiphany, many people collect water in open reservoirs and sometimes even use it. Do you somehow warn your parishioners against such actions?
In general, we do not recommend drinking such water. This liquid is suitable for a maximum of sprinkling anything. Open reservoirs are now quite dirty. Drinking water can be taken for a donation in temples. For example, this year we will import liquid from an artesian well, bless it and bottle it.
- If you can voice it, then what is the amount of donations for the water that you pour in the temple?
In fact, we include in the amount of donations just enough to recoup the costs - there can be no talk of profit. Delivery of water and the bottles in which we pour it are not cheap. If at all people are interested, then I would like to say that we are completely self-sufficient - we do not receive any subsidies from the state.
We live only on donations. If they don't exist, then there won't be a church. For example, in our cathedral alone in winter, we pay more than 200,000 rubles a month for heat supply. An impressive amount also comes out for electricity - and 50 and 60 thousand rubles sometimes. In addition, people work in the temple - everyone who serves it must receive a salary.
