Also called Jordan, after the name of the river in which the Savior was baptized, Epiphany, a holiday celebrated on January 6, is full of traditions and customs that are kept with sanctity.
Do not wash clothes so as not to pollute the waters
On this day it is absolutely forbidden to wash clothes, as it is believed that otherwise the holy waters will be defiled. Also, no laundry will be done for the next seven days until the end of the holiday. According to tradition, Christians keep a black fast until they consume the great agheas.
During the service, in addition to the Troparion of the Epiphany, the children sing special carols that show the miracle that took place in the Jordan, namely the Baptism of the Lord. Agheasma taken from the church on Epiphany never spoils and has miraculous healing powers. Whoever pulls the cross out of the water will be happy all year
A long-awaited tradition on Epiphany is when the priest throws a wooden cross into a lake, river or spring after the water consecration procession, and the boys of the village will enter the water to retrieve it, regardless of whether it is freezing outside.
It is said that the man who succeeds in bringing the cross to shore will be safe from all evil and will have a year full of happiness and fulfillment. On the night of the Epiphany, the girls will tie a thread of red silk and some basil to their ring and put all the basil under the pillow to dream of the bear at night. Tradition also says that girls who fall on the ice on Epiphany will get married that year.