It is time for Epiphany bathing. On the night 18 on 19 January 2020 of the year, and till the evening 19 the number of Orthodox Christians around the world will plunge in Jordan, remembering the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Disputes - it was this rite, Did John the Baptist belonged to some ancient religion - let us leave the historians and scholars of religion. But generally accepted in the church environment version of the rite was the result of divine revelation, the descended to John the Baptist and is not related to other traditions.
The water at this time is consecrated, and many believers consider, that dipping into it "washes away sins". At the same time pay attention to the priests the, that the sins of "Flushed Away" Only confession and repentance.
Also worth noting, Epiphany bathing that are not essential rite in the Christian life, and most belong to the folk tradition. AND, respectively, Unlike received once in a lifetime baptism, and wedding, Unction and confession, bathing is not mystery.
In Russia, due to the climatic characteristics of dipping the feast of the Baptism - Rite quite extreme, real ascetic feat in the name of Christ. At the same time it is a very touching custom, after all, dip in Jordan, human, special, if ice water, It comes in a very special emotional and psychological state - lift, updating, joy.
Doctors urge people not to count on, which can be once a year go into the water, and the following year did not hurt. Despite the apparent similarity with winter swimming, Epiphany bathing - still the spiritual plane event. And to be vigorous and less sick, should regularly, full-year deal with hardening, then, if desired, switch to winter swimming.
earlier Federal News Agency published material, which tells in detail about, how to prepare for Epiphany bathing. Perhaps our readers make sense to review it in the future, to next year to go to the hole with skill in the spiritual, and in the physical sense,.
Faithful included into ice water, Cross and three times with his head dipped into the icy water. Bathing place every year, regardless of weather. Even in Yakutia, where at this time of year there are frosts of minus 60 degrees!
Well, and in the Moscow region weather, as is known, changeable. So, frosts of minus 30 It struck on the night of 19 January 2006 year. And in the next, 2007 year, It was warm - more 3 degrees of heat. The coming 2020 year, despite its anomaly, and the almost complete absence of snow and ice, the Epiphany will not beat the record - the thermometer on the night 18 on 19 January ranged from minus 1 to plus 1 degrees.
Ponds in Moscow and the Moscow area now open, ice on the surface there is no, or it is very thin, and leave him extremely dangerous. Therefore, in the field of organized bathing advance were installed wooden slopes, who staffed by Emergency Situations Ministry and doctors.
Besides, It has the ability to change into a warm room, and field kitchens offer a hot drink. It should be remembered, that organized fonts usually work up to about 3 am. During the day until the end of the day, you can plunge yourself, do not forget about security measures.
FAN correspondent visited Jordan in the garden Bauman, where in the beautiful green area has a special set artificial font - a small wooden pool, as well as the warm dressing rooms. Here you can drink a cup of tea. Bathing in garden conducted to Bauman 3 am.
All kinds of people - men and women, young people and those, who are older, in long shirts and bathing suits were open today to Jordan. walking, recollecting, on that day he was baptized the Savior. And then everyone came back home is a little different - accomplished the feat of Christian self-transcendence.
The same thing happened all over Moscow - was 46 Places for dipping. Everywhere approaches have been equipped with anti-slip. Near the city authorities have installed warm pavilions with hot tea and meals, as well as locker rooms - separate for men and women, information booths, and even portable toilets. For those, who has decided to get to the place Epiphany bathing on the car, within walking distance of the fonts have been equipped with the temporary parking. Moscow urban transport in the night 18 on 19 January has worked longer than usual - up to 3.00.
Our readers if desired may still have time to dive to the end of the day 19 January. And in this regard, it is not superfluous to recall the main rules. Firstly: no alcohol prior to and immediately after dipping, in a state of hangover - can not be too strongly. If you are afraid to enter into the icy water, better pray. If you feel bad - aggravated a chronic disease, heartache, head, You feel dizzy and so on - to refrain from dipping. Try to enter into the icy water, avoiding prolonged standing in line for dipping. Well, after - as quickly as possible to wipe from, dress up and drink hot tea, or coffee. And if you feel unwell, any sudden alarm - do not hesitate to contact medical, as it may indicate problems with blood vessels.
Besides, It is not recommended to bathe alone. it's desirable, to be close to people, and even better to come with friends, which will assist you when necessary.
And remember, that Baptism - day, filled with great spiritual Christian sense, therefore, on the eve of, 18 of January and the morning 19 January is advisable to visit a church service.
But at the same time, once you overcome the psychological barrier and entered the icy water, perhaps, it makes sense to think about, to begin tempered and even join one of the many clubs walruses.
Federal News Agency congratulates its readers with Epiphany and sincerely desires the salvation, as well as good health body and soul!
Author: Natalya Makeev
