With the baptism of Rus, all Orthodox began to celebrate the great holiday - Baptism. On Epiphany Christmas Eve, all parishioners go together with the priest to a local pond in which they make a hole in the form of a cross, called "Jordan". It is here that we will have to bathe in cold water for all believers, and how to dip into Baptism properly will be told in this article.
How should we dip into Baptism?
There are certain clear rules for immersion in water, which mainly pursue the goal of security. On a specially installed ladder, you need to descend quickly and decisively down to a depth that will allow the water to reach the level of the chest. Crossed himself and said: "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit!" You need to plunge three times into the water with your head and then get out on the beach. If you stay in the ice hole for no more than 20-30 seconds, then there will be no hypothermia and such a ritual will not bring harm to your health.
Those who are interested in whether it is necessary to dip into Baptism with a head, it is worth noting that it is not necessary. You can not go into the water at all, if a person is morally not ready for this and his faith is not so strong to overcome his fear . You can just scoop a little water out of the hole and wash it.
How can I dip into baptism for the first time?
First of all, you need to properly equip and be sure to bring a set of dry linen. What is needed to perform the ritual:
- towel;
- a set of dry clothes;
- swimsuit or swimming trunks, but it is best to bring along a long shirt, the same for men and women, and specially created for observance of traditional Christian decency;
- Slippers, in which it will be possible to reach the shore;
- rubber cap. It will be useful to those who do not want to wet their hair;
- thermos flask with hot tea.
Bathing suit is best immediately put on at home, top thermal underwear, socks, sweater and trousers. Complete the equipment with warm comfortable shoes, jacket, mittens and hat. Undress in the frost from the bottom up, but to dress - on the contrary. The last ones are removed socks, and those who feel that it starts to freeze, it is recommended to do a little workout. You can jump, run a little.
Is it useful to dip into an ice hole on Epiphany?
Orthodox believe that bathing in the Jordan contributes to getting rid of many ailments. In many respects it is due to the belief in the disease that they recede, but the stressful situation created by contact with cold water is important here. Short-term exposure to low temperatures activates the defenses of the body: body temperature rises to the values at which viruses, bacteria and other pathogens die.
Who should not be immersed in Baptism?
Those who have acute and chronic diseases in the stage of exacerbation. This is especially true of those ailments that affect:
- heart and blood vessels;
- nasopharynx, sinuses of the nose;
- nervous and endocrine systems;
- organs of vision;
- respiratory system;
- genitourinary system;
- gastrointestinal tract;
- skin.
It is very important to observe the safety rules when swimming. Do not dive under the ice, as there is a chance not to find an ice hole later. Special places for bathing are always equipped with a strong thick rope with knots. It is necessary not to let it out of your hands and use it to get out of the water. Well, if there is a rescue station near the hole, and the whole ritual will take place under the supervision of rescuers. Those who take their children with them should not let them out of their hands when diving, because a frightened kid can easily forget that he can swim.