Boboteaza (Epiphany) - in Orthodox tradition

 

(Boboteaza) Epiphany is a celebration of all Christians. The way it is celebrated differs greatly from one area to another. In the tradition of the Eastern Church, January 6, on which the event is celebrated, is considered, folklore, as the coldest day of the year. There is talk of the "frost of Epiphany". That's why, but also being related to water, I also baptize John the Baptist, the celebration includes many rituals related to water. Among them, swimming in frozen waters is a test of endurance undertaken by the most resistant and fanatical believers.

Such traditions are pre-Christian, but have been adopted by Christians, often officially. In Romania, priests throw a wooden cross into flowing waters, and some parishioners jump into the water to retrieve it and bring it to shore. (However, the custom is practiced only in a few localities. Commonly, the priest immerses the cross in containers of water and thus performs the ritual.)

There are many variations of such customs. They are also very popular in Romania, Greece, and in the Slavic countries. Similar traditions are also in the Nordic countries.

Such traditions may have become popular during Kievan Rus, a state founded by the Viking aristocracy.