The first bathing in the ice-hole at Epiphany appeared as a tradition, after the adoption of Christianity in Kievan Rus in 988. On January 19, the church holiday - the Baptism of the Lord, during the Divine Liturgy, a great consecration of water having healing power is performed. It is believed that all the water elements on this day acquire miraculous features that strengthen the body and soul forces.
What does swimming in an ice-hole for Epiphany mean?
The hole in which they bathe is called the Jordan, they come to her after a solemn service, without the priest's prayer it is not accepted to plunge into the water. Father blesses those wishing to perform the rite of bathing at Baptism - reads a prayer before the wormwood and three times immerses a cross in it, only after the completion of prayers it is possible to perform a ritual. To prescribe the tradition of purifying and washing away sins is wrong, to get rid of sins one must repent and confess in the church .
Where did the swimming in the ice-hole for Epiphany go?
The holiday, to which the tradition adjoins, the most ancient - Baptism of the Lord was introduced as a separate event in the church ministry around the year 377. Ancient Christians on this day came to the Jordan, the place where Jesus Christ was baptized. The rite of baptismal bathing is a folk tradition, which a person commits on personal request, there are no church prescriptions on this issue. Water, consecrated on this day, has special properties, which is proved by scientific research.
What gives bathing in the hole at Epiphany?
If we consider the question of what gives bathing at Epiphany, it is necessary to understand what a person expects to receive from such actions. To plunge into the water in Epiphany frosts is not so easy even with a great desire. The main thing - there must be a belief that water has the property to heal ailments, and the procedure will not cause harm, the desire to pray - to entrust their needs to the hands of God.
Bathing in frost helps to increase immunity - sudden temperature changes, activate the release of hormones into the blood, showing a protective effect on negative changes in the body's work, blood pressure decreases, and energy comes. The triple commemoration of oneself by a cross, before plunging into an ice-hole is an indispensable condition.
Epiphany bathing - pro and contra
The tradition of bathing at Epiphany is a test of the will of man. Doctors state the fact that the percentage of patients after such "procedures" is insignificant. According to the stories of the person who swims in the first few minutes, the person is seized with euphoria, the body becomes unusually light, the soul feels grace, a tide of special inexpressible sensations comes.
Risk poor health for unforgettable diving in the water is prohibited. The church does not oblige and does not prescribe to perform such a rite to believers, it is not part of the holiday. Having skipped swimming, a person does not lose grace. On the day of the Epiphany, one should come to prayer in the church, you can confess and take communion, sprinkle yourself and your house with holy water brought from the temple.
When swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany?
January 18 - Epiphany Eve, it is believed that after the consecration of water in the churches on this day, it becomes curative in all water sources, and stores such properties for the next few days. The bathing on Epiphany does not begin without the blessings of the priest, the consecration of places for dipping occurs after the festive divine services on the morning of January 19.
How to prepare for bathing at Epiphany?
Some tips how to prepare for the Epiphany swimming in the ice hole. For an unquenched person, such immersion stress, to minimize the effects of cold water can be done by pre-conditioning the body. A few days before, it is advisable to take a contrast shower , go out on the street or balcony for a few minutes in the summer version of the clothes - shorts and a T-shirt, do a wipe with a damp towel soaked in cold water, practice dousing with low temperature water.
Epiphany bathing - rules
The rules of bathing at Epiphany can be divided into parts. The first and most important moment - when doing such an act, a person should pray: about saving the soul, about loved ones, asking God's help for healing from illnesses. Dipping into the water for fun or under the influence of alcohol, for testing the thrill - it's wrong, expecting to heal the body and soul afterwards - is unacceptable.
Bathing on Epiphany - advice of doctors
There are a lot of pluses on medical indicators, what is useful for bathing on baptism is increased work capacity, in the body allergic reactions, depression, insomnia, joint and spinal pain disappear. Significantly reduced attacks of bronchial asthma, blood circulation is normal. Body temperature, when immersed, comes to a mark with a mark of forty degrees, within a few minutes many armies of viruses and bacteria die in the body - the work of the immune system increases.
Can I get sick when bathing at Epiphany? Yes, because a stressful immersion in water can cause a number of unpleasant consequences in a weakened organism. In diabetics, blood sugar levels rise sharply, coronaries have arrhythmias and hypertension, and cancer patients have undesirable suppression of immunity. Painful flu and ARD bathing is prohibited.
Is swimming in the ice hole dangerous for baptism?
Discussions about how dangerous bathing in the ice hole is at Baptism is a serious issue. The organization of the venue is the main criterion of choice for those wishing to plunge. It is undesirable to come alone to unprepared, unmanned ice-holes - it is a direct threat to human health and life, in the event of an unforeseen reaction of the organism to cold water, people should be ready to provide qualified assistance. Tips for how to properly swim in the ice hole at Epiphany:
- undressing in several stages - remove the outer clothing, allow the body to adapt, then undress before the swimsuit;
- walk on the snow - give a signal to the body, through the receptors of the feet, to include a protective reaction to the cold;
- after staying in the water change clothes, do not put dry things on top wet;
- drink alcohol for warming after the procedure is not recommended.
Bathing in the ice hole at Epiphany - contraindications
Bathing in Epiphany frosts can lead to unpleasant consequences for health. People suffering from a number of diseases should give up this procedure without exposing their bodies to additional stresses. Do not swim physically healthy people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is strictly forbidden to swim for children under 6 years. Diseases that do not recommend immersion in an ice hole:
- cardiovascular;
- inflammation of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract;
- disorders in the central and peripheral nervous system;
- diabetes;
- glaucoma, conjunctivitis;
- inflammation of the genitourinary system;
- skin-venereal lesions.
To avoid the undesirable consequences of bathing on Epiphany, one should come to specially equipped holes where there are emergency medical workers and rescuers. Before dipping, a small charge should be made, it is convenient to wear non-slip flip-flops, and not more than one minute in water. After bathing rub the body with a towel, put on dry things, drink a hot drink, preferably without caffeine.