Epiphany 2025: history, correct date, traditions and prohibitions.

Ukrainians celebrate Epiphany - one of the most important church holidays. This day commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and his revelation as the Savior and Messiah. This holiday marks the beginning of the church calendar year.

When is it celebrated

According to the new church calendar, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. In 2025, this event will fall on a Monday.

Catholics celebrate the Baptism of the Lord on the nearest Sunday after the Epiphany.

History of the holiday

This holiday is dedicated to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. John the Baptist was the one who baptized him. During the baptism, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. This confirmed that Jesus is the Son of God. The holiday is also known as the Theophany.

Jesus emphasized the importance of baptism, making it sacred and mandatory for Christians. On Epiphany, Christians believe that the water in the Jordan River changes its current.

The name of the holiday is mentioned in the Chronicle of Rus from 1148. It is associated with the story of Rostislav, who asked for his friend's daughter in marriage.

Ukrainian ancestors celebrated Epiphany as a day of honoring water. They performed various rituals, sent symbolic herbs into the river, and threw items into it that needed to be purified. It is believed that blessed water has miraculous power.

Epiphany Traditions

On this day, it is customary to cut a cross-shaped hole in the ice of water bodies. Priests bless the water in rivers and lakes, after which people dive into the water. It is believed that blessed water has healing properties.

After the blessing at the Jordan River, the water can be taken home, given to drink to family members, and used to sprinkle the house. This water is kept throughout the year.

Prohibitions on the holiday

On this day, it is forbidden to quarrel with loved ones, curse, envy, and wish evil. Fortune-telling and magical rituals are also prohibited. One must not disrespect water, spit, or throw garbage into it.

What not to do:

• Quarrel with loved ones, curse, envy, and wish evil.
• Engage in fortune-telling and magical rituals.
• Spit, throw garbage, or pour waste into the hole with blessed water.
• Swim on Epiphany if there are health problems.
• Dive into the hole under the influence of alcohol.
• Swim in wild and unregulated places.

Popular signs

• Clear frosty weather on Epiphany promises a hot and dry summer.
• Snowfall on this holiday promises a good harvest for the entire year.
• If there is a snowstorm on Epiphany, there will be a snowstorm in April.
• If you see hoarfrost on a tree and clouds in the sky, it means a fertile year.
• A warm day on Epiphany promises plenty of bread.
• If the day is sunny and warm, such weather will last for several weeks.

What you need to know about swimming in the hole

Before diving into the water, you need to rub for mobility. It is better to start with washing your face, chest, and stomach under the water. Then you can submerge your neck. It is not recommended to dive in headfirst to avoid sudden cooling of the body.

The Time spent in icy water should be limited to 3-5 seconds. For those accustomed to hardening, one can remain in the water for 1.5-2 minutes.

After swimming, you should shake yourself with a towel and dress in warm clothes. It is necessary to warm your hands and feet before putting on clothes.

Swimming in the hole is only possible if you are in good health. There is a list of diseases for which it is not recommended to submerge in water.

Reminder

Since 2023, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church/Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church have switched to the New Julian calendar.