CrimeaPRESS reports:
Epiphany Day is one of the most important church holidays for the Orthodox. They remember a biblical event: the baptism of Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River. This holiday is also called Epiphany. The legend says: at the time when John the Baptist baptized the Lord in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit flew to Him in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father was heard, “Behold my beloved Son…”. Thus, the Holy Trinity was revealed to all the people present and the Epiphany took place.
The main rite of today is the blessing of water. It is held in temples, and also, where possible, sea, river, and lake water is blessed. It is believed that on Epiphany — from midnight to midnight — water acquires healing properties and retains them throughout the year. Epiphany water, according to popular belief, relieves anxiety and heals. Both mental and physical wounds. On January 19, people wash themselves with it, sprinkle it on their homes, and give it to pets to drink.
Traditionally, mass swimming in open reservoirs is also organized on this day. Even in the coldest, ice-bound ones. It is believed that whoever plunges into the water in an ice hole three times will not get sick all year.
It is also believed that on Epiphany night the heavens open, so whatever a person prays for will definitely come true.
As for the weather on Epiphany Day. In Rus’, this period of January is literally famous for its constant cold — Epiphany frosts. They traditionally begin on January 19 and end on January 25.
The weather signs are:
- If Epiphany frosts are stronger than Christmas frosts, the year will be fruitful
- If the water in the ice hole reached the brim on January 19, there will be a strong flood in the spring
- The weather on Epiphany is clear and frosty — the summer will be dry
- Snow is falling in large flakes — there will be a good harvest
- Thaw at Epiphany — no severe frosts are expected until the end of winter either
- Cloudy weather and snowfalls mean a good summer
- Warm weather for Epiphany — the bread will be thick (dark)
- If at noon on January 19 the clouds turn blue, you can expect a good harvest
- A blizzard is blowing on Epiphany — this weather will last until the end of winter
- Full month — to a strong flood in the spring
- Cloudy weather on January 19 promises a rich harvest of bread
- Starry sky for Epiphany — summer will be dry with a bountiful harvest of berries
- The south wind will bring a stormy summer
What should you not do today?
- Wash! Moreover, since water is considered sacred, this should not be done for the next three days. Plus, washing can lead to hand diseases. Don’t believe me? Will you check it? That’s the same… Our ancestors knew what they were doing…
- Quarrel, swear, leave home in anger.
- Complain, gossip, slander.
- It is better to stop any work these days — physical labor is strictly prohibited today.
Today’s birthday boys: Ivan and Ian.
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