Signs about christenings

1.It is very important to choose caring, conscientious godparents or godparents. These are the people according to whose faith children are baptized. It is they who will be responsible before God for the spiritual education of their godson or goddaughter.

2. A godmother cannot be pregnant and do not enter the temple on critical days.

3.C When going to church, don’t forget your crosses. The godmother should have soft (no lipstick) makeup, modest clothes (better a skirt - but not a mini! - than a trouser suit), a covered head...

4.C When going to a christening, do not wear black clothes, because baptism is a great holiday. So why mourning?

5.K When you go to church, remember the following sign: an odd number of guests should not be present in the church during baptism. And it’s best if, besides you and your godparents, no one else goes to church. Remember that baptism is a sacrament, which means it should be witnessed by as few people as possible. Also, you should not tell everyone that you are going to baptize your child.

6. On the day of christening, count the money so that the child, when he grows up, does not have financial problems.

7. On the day of christening they do not sew, do not knit, do not spin, do not wash, do not make pickles, do not cut branches on trees, do not chop wood, do not dig the ground or plant anything, do not kick animals and do not shear sheep, do not pinch chickens and do not slaughter cattle. All work is done in advance or postponed until another day.

8.K When they go to church, they don’t talk about it out loud. Even if someone close to you knows what is happening, he should pretend that he does not know where people are going and why.

9. Those who remain in the house should not open the doors to anyone until those who left return from church after baptism.

10. There should be no quarrels on the day of christening.

11. Be sure to keep the baptismal shirt, diaper and candles left after the ceremony. They must be kept in the home of a baptized person, and when his life’s journey ends, he takes them with him. In addition, these things are necessary in the work of healers: with their help you can remove complex damage and help in the treatment of even the most serious diseases.

12.In addition, the godfather or godmother will have to recite the Symbol of Faith during the ceremony (in common parlance this prayer is called “I Believe”). And if they do not know it by heart, then it is better to prepare and take with them to church a piece of paper with this text.

Symbol of faith

I believe in one God the Father, Almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Son of God, the only begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages;

Light from Light, true God from true God,

begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were.

For our sake man and for our sake of salvation came down from heaven

and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became human.

She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.

And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sat

at the right hand of the Father. And again the future will be judged with glory by the living and the dead,

His Kingdom will have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the life-giving Lord, who proceeds from the Father,

Let us worship and glorify those who spoke with the Father and the Son.

Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.

13. When a child is baptized, the godfather enters the baptismal room first, and then only the mother, otherwise the child will get sick often.

14. During baptism, the godmother holds a spoon in her bosom, and then first the mother, then the father, and then the grandmother must defend the service with this spoon, and begin the first feeding with this spoon. Then the child will eat well and grow up healthy.

15.If you get caught in the rain on the day of christening, joy awaits you. The soul is washed by God.

16. Make sure that the candle does not go out or fall during baptism. If someone asks you for a baptismal candle, refuse, as this could end badly for you or your child.

17. During christenings, people are not allowed to light another candle from their own.

18. You cannot be baptized with someone else’s cross, or with a cross that you inherited. Everyone should have their own cross.

19. You should also not give away the sheet with which you wiped the baby or yourself after the baptism ceremony.

20. When buying a pectoral cross, do not take change from your purchase; as a last resort, put it in the donation box (it usually says “for the temple”).

21. Nowadays in churches several people are usually baptized at once. If among those who are baptized there are people bearing the same names, then this is considered a bad omen. It is better if you can agree on holding the sacrament personally for you, without the presence of strangers. You can offer to donate to the temple for this service, and perhaps then they will meet you.

22. Pay attention to the fact that in the baptismal room, during the baptism, the employees do not wash the floor, otherwise they may wash away the happiness and health - yours or your child's.

23. Do not give alms near the baptismal place, even if you are persistently asked for it. If you are embarrassed to refuse and give alms, then prepare for the worst, since people never simply ask for alms near the baptismal sanctuary. Most likely, you have been contacted by a person who wants to treat you or your child.

24. Some Orthodox peoples have a belief that the crying of a baby at baptism is a very happy omen.

25.After baptism, pass the child over the fence of the temple - for health.

26.After the baptismal ceremony, you must immediately go to your home, do not go on a visit or to the shops, otherwise the Guardian Angel that appears to you or your child after baptism will be weak.

27. During a festive dinner, the food should be plentiful; the richer the table, the richer the child’s life, but do not put a lot of food on the guests’ plates. If there are leftovers on the plates, the child will be unlucky.

28. Never treat your guests to pancakes. It is best to serve pies with chicken or rooster meat.

29. On the day of christening, pork dishes are not served.

30. Make sure that your godparents, that is, your child’s godparents, do not drink alcohol at the christening, otherwise your child may become addicted to alcohol as an adult.

Video. folk signs for baptism

Second name - Epiphany- the triumph was achieved because at the Savior’s baptism “the appearance of all three persons of the Divine” occurred.

Popular name for the holiday "Vodokreshchi" arose according to one of the main rites of this day - the blessing of water, or baptism with water.

People associate many signs, beliefs, customs and traditions with the day of Epiphany, which are sacredly revered by people to this day. and Epiphany on January 19 are very strong in their energy, and therefore it is very important to adhere to certain rules on these days.

Epiphany Day in the folk calendar was one of the most important holidays at the beginning of the year. With this celebration, Christmastide ended and people’s contact with the other world ceased. That is why the main part of baptismal rites and rituals had a cleansing character.

Traditions and customs, weather signs for Epiphany on January 19

• We were preparing for the celebration of Epiphany the day before. On the evening of January 18, everyone, if possible, went to church for a service, after which the first blessing of water was performed in the church. The peasants considered it a particularly important celebration.
• On the morning of Epiphany, all believers traditionally go to the temple, where they pray, attend the procession, and await the blessing of the water. Participation in a solemn procession of the cross, a prayer service, receiving holy water - this whole day is full of special meaning for a Christian.
• The most famous ritual of Epiphany is the blessing of water: on January 19, water is blessed in the nearest reservoir, for which an ice hole is made in the ice - a Jordan.
• Believers know that Epiphany water has many beneficial properties: it cleanses of negative energy, treats diseases, relieves problems and helps to withstand adversity. Therefore, on Epiphany they must stock up on it and store it throughout the year, taking it daily on an empty stomach.
• As on Epiphany Eve, on the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, after the blessing of water, rituals were performed to cleanse houses and buildings, using already blessed water to drive out evil spirits and evil spirits from everywhere.
• Great protective power against evil spirits was attributed to the candle, which was brought along with holy water from services in. It was kept for a year and lit during a thunderstorm to prevent fire. On the day of the first cattle pasture, a piece of this candle was attached to cows between the horns, and to horses - under the mane or under the bangs. According to signs, then neither the goblin in the forest nor the merman in the water will touch this beast.
• On Epiphany, a ceremony was held to select brides. The supervision began at the blessing of the water, when the girls stood on a high place on the river, and the boys stood under the mountain. The viewing itself took place after returning from Jordan: the girls stood in one row, and the guys walked between them. In addition to the boys, the parents of the grooms were also looking out for the “brides.” At the same time, not only the girl’s external data was assessed, but also her ability to sew, spin, embroider, and weave lace. This was determined by the outfits the girl was wearing. When choosing a bride, attention was also paid to her health. The criterion for health was the girl’s warm hands: the boys’ mothers took the brides’ hands, which remained naked and without mittens throughout the entire bridesmaid ceremony (about 2–3 hours). If a girl's hands were cold, she was considered sick and unsuitable for marriage.
• After Epiphany, the “meat-eating” period began – the time of weddings.
• If Epiphany falls on , then according to signs, winter will be long and spring will come late.
• If a thaw occurs on January 19, severe frosts are not expected until the end of winter.
• A blizzard is blowing on Epiphany - this weather will last until the end of winter.
• If Epiphany frosts are stronger than in winter, there will be a fruitful year.

Signs for Epiphany - what you can and cannot do on January 19

• You cannot mix holy water with ordinary water - this will lead to bad things.
• On the feast of the Epiphany, it is forbidden to quarrel and swear, otherwise trouble will come to the house.
• You cannot lend money on January 19th. In general, it’s better not to take anything out of the house or give it away, otherwise you’ll have to live in poverty all year.
• On this bright holiday, you cannot be depressed, suffer and be sad, otherwise the whole year will be sad.
• You cannot collect a lot of Epiphany water. It should be treated as a spiritual medicine.
• On Epiphany it is forbidden to work, clean, knit, sew, and especially wash (this defiles the water). It is better to stop any work on January 19th.
• From January 19 and for a week you cannot rinse clothes on the river. According to signs, evil spirits going into the water can grab onto the laundry and get out.
• You can't cry or complain on this day. It is believed that the one who sheds tears at Epiphany will cry all year.
• Having a wedding on January 19 means being happily married.
• Swimming in an ice hole at Epiphany will cleanse you from illnesses and sorrows for the whole next year.
• Whatever a person prays for on January 19 will definitely come true.
• Whoever wooes or proposes at Epiphany will have a happy family life.

Epiphany of the Lord - traditions, customs, rituals, signs, congratulations

On the night of January 18-19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Epiphany (Holy Epiphany). What should you do at Epiphany? How to celebrate the holiday correctly? What rituals need to be performed? What signs should you pay attention to? How to congratulate your family and friends?

Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays. The holiday of Epiphany ends the Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19.

This holiday was established in memory of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, when he was 30 years old. It is known from the Gospel that John the Baptist, calling the people to repentance, baptized people in the waters of the Jordan. The Savior, being sinless from the beginning, had no need for John’s Baptism of repentance, but out of His humility accepted Baptism with water, thereby sanctifying His watery nature.

The Feast of Epiphany is also called the Feast of Epiphany, because at the Baptism of the Lord the Holy Trinity appeared to the world: “God the Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized by the holy Forerunner of the Lord John, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove”.

Epiphany. Holy Epiphany

On the eve of Epiphany, January 18, believers fast- they don’t eat anything until the evening, and in the evening they celebrate the second Holy Evening or “Hungry Kutya”. Lenten dishes are served for dinner - fried fish, dumplings with cabbage, buckwheat pancakes with butter, kutya and uzvar.

The whole family, as before Christmas, gathers at the table, to which Only Lenten dishes are served; kutia (sochivo) is prepared from rice, honey and raisins..

That evening, returning from church from a prayer service, people placed crosses over all windows and doors with chalk or soot from candles.

After dinner, all the spoons are collected in one bowl, and bread is placed on top - “so that bread is born.” The girls used these same spoons to tell fortunes: they went out on the threshold and knocked with them until a dog barked somewhere - the girl would go in that direction to get married.

The main tradition of the Epiphany holiday is the blessing of water.

On the morning of January 19, water is blessed - either in a church, or, where possible, near a lake, river or stream. It is believed that on Epiphany, from midnight to midnight, water acquires healing properties and retains them throughout the year. It is given to seriously ill people to drink, and temples, houses and animals are blessed with it. It remains a mystery to science that Epiphany water does not spoil, has no odor and can be stored for a year or longer.

In the old days, on the eve of Jordan, a large cross (“Jordan”) was cut out in the ice and installed vertically next to the hole. The ice cross was decorated with periwinkle and pine branches or doused with beet kvass, which turned it red.

Water is sanctified in springs, and where this is not possible - in the courtyard of the temple. Blessing the water, the priest lowers the cross into a special baptismal hole called the “Jordan”; the blessed water is called the “great agiasma,” that is, the great shrine.

It is believed that Epiphany water has the same miraculous power as the waters of the Jordan into which Jesus Christ entered.

On the day of Epiphany, after a prayer service, the sick bathe in the ice hole - to recover from illness, and those who dress up in masks for the New Year - to cleanse themselves of sin.

On the day of the holiday and on the day of Epiphany Eve, the Great Blessing of Water is performed. There are long queues for holy water in the courtyards of temples.

If a person for some serious reason cannot go to the service, he can resort to the healing power of simple water taken from an ordinary reservoir on Epiphany night. It is believed that Epiphany water gains special strength and healing properties. They treat wounds with Epiphany water, sprinkle every corner of their home - there will be order and peace in the house.

Has survived to this day tradition of plunging into an ice hole at Epiphany- the one who dared to do this believed that the healing Epiphany water would give him health for the whole year. And today there are brave souls who, even in severe frost, jump into icy water. Everyone who wants to join them should remember that they need to plunge into the Epiphany ice hole, not trying to “accomplish a feat,” but remembering the religious meaning of this action - it is best to take a blessing from the priest before doing so. You also need to know that washing in Epiphany water does not “automatically” cleanse you of all sins.

After the celebration of Epiphany, a new wedding season begins, which continues until Lent. In the old days it was a time of fun and leisure. Young people gathered for evening parties, families organized pools and visited each other.

Epiphany holy water

On Epiphany you can drink Epiphany water all day long. But then it should be consumed on an empty stomach or for special needs (for example, in case of a sudden illness). In addition, on the day of the holiday, we sprinkle holy water throughout the entire home, including latrines and those rooms where our pets live. You can sprinkle your office, your place of study, and your car.

And if you see that there is not as much water as you would like, you can dilute it with simple clean water, and it will all be as full of grace as before, and will not spoil.

Therefore, there is no need to strain yourself by taking a canister of a dozen or two liters from the temple on this day. It is enough to take a small bottle and there will be enough water for you and your loved ones until the next Epiphany.

But the miraculous preservation of Epiphany water is not guaranteed to a person who does not treat it reverently.

It is better to pour the water from a plastic container into a glass one and store it next to the icons. Also You should drink this water with prayer so that this gift of the Lord will be to us for the health of soul and body.

Epiphany water can stand for years without spoiling.

Fortune telling for Epiphany

On Epiphany evening, the girl must leave the house and walk down the street. If she meets the first young and handsome man on her way, there is a high probability that she will get married this year. If the passerby is old, then marriage is not soon.

At Epiphany, in addition to traditional New Year's and Christmas fortune-telling, from ancient times they practiced special fortune-telling - with kutya.

Its essence was that the fortune tellers, having captured hot kutia in a cup and hidden it under an apron or scarf, ran into the street and threw the kutia in the face of the first man they came across, asking his name.

Another type of special Epiphany fortune-telling is even more original: on Christmas Eve, after sunset, the girls went out naked into the street, “hoeed” the snow, threw it over their shoulders and then listened - in which direction they heard something, in that direction and they would marry them off.

Epiphany signs

♦ If the trees are covered with frost at Epiphany, in the spring you need to sow winter wheat on the same day of the week - the harvest will be rich.

♦ If there is a shovelful of snow on Epiphany, it means a good harvest.

♦ If it’s clear and cold on Epiphany, it means a bad harvest, a dry summer.

♦ If there is a starry night on Epiphany, there will be a good harvest of nuts and berries.

♦ If a lot of fish are visible at Epiphany, bees will swarm well.

♦ If after Baptism there is a full month in the sky, a flood is possible in the spring.

♦ If dogs bark a lot - there are a lot of animals and game in the forest.

♦ To find out how warm the rest of the winter will be, on the night of Christmas Eve before Epiphany, you just need to look at the sky. If the stars shine brightly, then summer will be dry and hot, and spring will begin early. Moreover, autumn will also be warm and long. Also, bright stars in the sky on Epiphany indicate that the year will be calm, without political or economic turmoil.

♦ If there is a full moon on the night of Epiphany, then in the spring you should be wary of strong river floods.

♦ It’s not very good if it’s warm at Epiphany: signs indicate that there will be health problems in the coming year. On the contrary, if there is a lot of snow on Epiphany, this means good health.

♦ If you hear dogs barking on Epiphany, this promises good financial condition in the coming year. It is believed that dogs call for a hunt, which promises excellent prey.

Congratulations on the Epiphany of the Lord

♦ May it be frosty at baptism
Bring blessings
Warmth, comfort, your home -
Let it be filled with goodness
Thoughts, feelings and hearts.
Let the relatives gather.
Let the fun come to the house
On this holiday at Epiphany.

♦ Let the Epiphany frosts
They will carry away trouble and tears
And they will add fun to life,
Happiness, joy, luck!
Get ready for the holiday -
Very cheerful, healthy,
To swim in an ice hole
And stay healthy!

♦ Let the Epiphany frosts
Your sorrows will go away.
Let there be only tears of happiness,
Let the good news come.
I want you to laugh more often
And they were never sad!
To be admired by love,
And they were always happy!

♦ For the people at Epiphany
Renewal is coming.
Jumped into the hole headlong -
Life becomes different.
And then you step onto the ice,
You will turn towards the sunrise.
Raise your hands in the air boldly,
So that your soul sings.

♦ I would like to wish you a holiday on Epiphany,
There are more poems, less prose in life,
Let life be such that you don’t suffer,
Love is stronger than Epiphany frost.
Hope, beauty and kindness,
And, of course, a sea of ​​positivity,
Strive for the height of your dreams
For life's eternal motives.

♦ With Holy Epiphany
Congratulations, friends!
Cast away all doubts
Be happy, love!
Don't be afraid of all sorts of wickedness,
And wash yourself with holy water!
Tell your fortune for love...
The holiday is coming to us again!

♦ I hasten to congratulate you on your Baptism
And wish you purity
All thoughts and all aspirations,
Health, happiness and love!
May the Angels protect you
And guard your sound sleep
Let loved ones not know grief
And the Lord will be nearby!

♦ On the bright day of the Epiphany of the Lord
I wish you all earthly bounties.
May souls and bodies be cleansed
On this day it will come down to you from heaven.
The blessings of earthly and God's grace
I want to wish you now.
Let everything be on time and by the way,
May the Lord protect you.
May everything in life be easy for you,
And may the Epiphany water
What is pouring from everywhere today,
Will wash away all the bad forever!

♦ Let holy water
Your sin will wash away any
Let any trouble
Will bypass.
Let it be revealed to you
Pure light and love
And the temple of your soul
Reborn again.

♦ Happy Epiphany Day
Congratulations today!
Let the house not become scarce,
The world will become kinder for you.
Let the help be noticeable,
Your happiness will not fade.
Love from loved ones and support
Let them become stronger over the years!

Traditional dishes for the feast of Epiphany
How to swim in an ice hole correctly?
When and how can you collect holy water?
What prayers to read for Epiphany on January 19
Conspiracies for Epiphany January 19
Baptism of a child on Epiphany January 19
Signs and beliefs
What not to do at the Baptism of Christ
How to make a wish for Epiphany on January 19
Is it possible to guess on this day?
How to make a prophetic dream from January 18 to 19
Yuletide dreams by day
Pictures and cards with the Epiphany of the Lord on January 19
Poems for Epiphany January 19
SMS congratulations

Why is Epiphany on January 19?

At the end of the 4th century, Rome was the first to break the ancient tradition when they began to celebrate on different days. Then other cities and countries picked up this innovation.

January 19 falls on January 6 according to the Julian calendar, when the Patriarch of Constantinople sanctifies the waters of the Hellespont.

Celebration period: 4 days before and 8 days after.

Where did the date January 19 and the Orthodox holiday of Epiphany come from? The history of the holiday of Epiphany on January 19.

January 19 is the day of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the sacred waters of the Jordan River. This is the 13th day from the birth of Jesus Christ. This answers the question: what is Jordan water on January 18th.

The Baptism of the Lord is also called Epiphany. In the time of the apostles, this holiday was called “Epiphany” or “Theophany”.

Icon of the Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord)

Previously, Christians celebrated only the Resurrection of the Lord. After the Baptism of Rus', pagan rites and Christian customs were mixed. Therefore, today we observe various traditions, fortune telling with elements of paganism.

Rituals and rituals for Epiphany on January 19

The ritual of bathing in very cold water came from the ancient Scythians. They immersed their children in ice water for the purpose of hardening and this was a pagan rite. After the Baptism of Rus', it was associated with Christianity and called Baptism.

Even before the adoption of Christianity in Rus', it was believed that water cleanses and protects from harm, and gives life. Water was called Mother, Queen. The source of water was associated with the goddess Mokoshi and she was worshiped. After the Baptism of Rus', Saint Paraskeva and Nicholas the Wonderworker became the patrons of the water element.

Fasting for baptism

Before the holiday, Orthodox Christians strictly fast on Christmas Eve.

It is prepared juicy - hungry kutia, it is prepared lean without adding oil. They don’t eat anything all day on Epiphany Eve, and after the first star appears, the meal begins.

They start eating with kutya; most of the other dishes on the table are lean. Pies, pickles, pancakes, meat dishes and many other dishes are prepared.

Traditional dishes for the feast of Epiphany

The king of the festive table is the pig; this dish is placed in the center of the table. The owner, who is also the head of the family, distributed pieces to everyone, breaking them off from the whole dish. Under the table, the youngest member of the family grunted.

In the morning, on an empty stomach, Lenten cookies baked in the shape of a cross were consumed and washed down with holy water. At the same time, unsuccessful baked goods were not eaten by people, but were given to street birds as food.

A successful cookie meant good things, and an unsuccessful one meant problems or misfortune. I think we can remind you that successful baked goods are not burnt or cracked. Should be golden brown and well baked.

Then honey pancakes or pancakes were served on the table without fail. Eating such pancakes meant attracting a lot of money.

On this day, Divine services are held in open reservoirs and rivers. To do this, men cut a hole in the shape of a cross. The name of such an ice hole is Jordan. The priest blesses the water. If it is not possible to bless the water in the reservoir, the service takes place near the temple.

The ice hole is decorated, chapels are built from ice.

When does swimming in the ice hole take place on Epiphany?

On the morning of January 19, after the Epiphany Liturgy ends, many priests go to bless rivers or lakes that are nearby.

The rite of water blessing consists of reading prayers and immersing the cross in water three times.

How to swim in an ice hole correctly?

• Swimming is allowed only in an ice hole with a built entrance to the water.
• You can only do it when there is a person nearby who will help you at any time.
• You cannot drink alcoholic beverages or smoke.
• You cannot swim on an empty stomach.
• You should not take a dip immediately after eating food.
• You need to take a warm blanket, blanket and clothes for changing with you.

1. You need to reach the last step of the Jordan stairs.
2. Then cross yourself and plunge your head into the hole three times.
3. At the same time, pronounce the words: “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Water is a miraculous power that heals and helps all believers. This was believed in ancient times and now more and more people are bathing in the ice hole and being baptized.

In addition to the ritual of bathing (Baptism), many Orthodox Christians collect water in their dishes for storage.

At the end of the church ceremony, doves are released - a symbol of the renewal of the old and the end of the holiday.

When and how can you collect holy water?

Water is considered blessed from January 18 on Epiphany Eve on the eve of Epiphany in the church from 18 o'clock, and on January 19, when living water in open sources is blessed. The water remains holy until lunchtime on January 19th. Then rivers and lakes become normal.

In the temple you can collect holy water not only on the day of consecration, but also on other holidays during the week (the number of days the holiday lasts according to the church charter).

You can also get holy water from your tap at home. Best time to do this from 00.10 hours to 01.30 hours on the night from January 18 to January 19.

You cannot be greedy and take too much baptismal water in reserve.

What prayers to read for Epiphany on January 19

Troparion, tone 1

In the Jordan, baptized to You, Lord, Trinitarian adoration appeared: for the voice of your parents testified to You, naming Your beloved Son, and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, announced your words of affirmation. Appear, O Christ our God, and the world is enlightened, glory to Thee.

Kontakion, tone 4

Thou hast appeared this day to the whole universe, and Thy light, O Lord, has appeared upon us, in the minds of those who sing Thee; You came and you appeared, the unapproachable Light.

Greatness

We magnify You, Life-Giving Christ, for our sake now baptized in the flesh by John in the waters of the Jordan.

Troparion for the Blessing of Waters, tone 8

The voice of the Lord cries out on the waters, saying: Come, all of you, receive the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of understanding. The Spirit of the fear of God, who appeared as Christ.

Today the waters are sanctified by nature, and the Jordan is divided, and its streams return, the Lord is baptized in vain.

As a man came to the river, O Christ the King, and sought to receive servile baptism, O Blessed One, from the hand of the Forerunner, a sin for our sake, Lover of mankind!

Glory, and now: To the voice of him crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, you have come, O Lord, taking on the form of a slave, asking for baptism, not knowing sin. Seeing Thee the waters and being afraid, the Forerunner was trembling and cried out, saying: How will the lamp of Light illuminate, how will the slave lay his hand on the Master? Sanctify the waters for me, O Savior, take away the sin of the world.

Read conspiracies for Epiphany on January 19 with a pure heart

Epiphany spells for health on water

Bring snow into the house on the night of Epiphany and wash yourself with melt water, asking the Lord to grant healing from illnesses, health and strength. At the same time, say: “Cleanse and protect Jordanian water!”

If a relative is sick, wash his clothes in melt water and ask for a cure.

Speak about your intention for the water in your own words or by reading a special prayer or the Lord’s Prayer. In a health spell, ask for everything related to health. Thoughts must be pure and full of faith.

The charmed water can be added in small portions, almost drops, to the bathtub. It is believed that it restores the energy shell, washes away bad energy from another person, and is capable of healing.

Charmed water removes damage and the evil eye. Therefore, it is added to the baby’s bathtub.

It is best to take water blessed at the temple. But that gained during the Baptism of Jesus Christ has no less power.

A ritual of cleansing the home from negative energy in the event of many problems and bad events.

Take holy water and walk around all the corners of the rooms, sprinkle them (sprinkle with a small amount of liquid). It is believed that evil spirits hide in the corners. You can cross these corners at the same time. Speak the words that you consider necessary according to your circumstances and from the bottom of your heart.

This will bring prosperity, luck, health to the residents of the house and cleanse them of accumulated negativity.

Start at the front door and end at the front door.

Epiphany water from the temple (it is good to collect from 7 temples) removes damage and the evil eye.

Say these words while dousing yourself with holy water:

"The Lord was born,

Baptized at Epiphany,

Became famous for the name

Jesus Christ.

Like this water

Dripping off me

So that

And all the damage

She left me.

Now and forever

And forever and ever. Amen".

A spell on an Epiphany candle, or a talisman against the evil eye and disease.

Light a few candles in the church. At home, melt one candle until soft. Make a cake from a piece of the Epiphany candle and stick it on the bed at the head of the bed. This will be a talisman for health and recovery.

Evil eye spell for children

With the help of the Epiphany candle, they protect the baby from damage and the evil eye in the same way, by sticking a piece of the candle at the head of the crib. You can also tell your child to have an easy life.

Conspiracy words:

“Ivan the Baptist baptized Christ, and Christ blessed the whole world.

This child will grow up not knowing any serious illnesses.

His troubles will pass and they will not hold any grudges against him.

People will love him, angels will protect him.”

Plot for an easy life for a baby

Attach part of the candle to the diaper and say:

“Lord, the child is in his first year of life, give him many easy paths in life. Give the savior angel, the guardian angel the best, with your holy hand, bless the Servant of God (name) for a good hour, for a good time. Key, lock, tongue. Amen. Amen. Amen."

The charmed diaper hides from everyone so that it does not catch anyone’s eye.

Good luck spell for family

On the night of Epiphany, bring all shoes into the apartment. Place a bowl of water near the door next to your shoes. In the morning, in this water, wash all shoes that carry negativity from outside.

Pour out the water and say: “The evil spirit is underground, and the good spirit is on the earth.” In your house, water spills out where no one goes. There is a sewer in the apartment.

Ritual and conspiracy for wealth and money

There is also a conspiracy for good luck and financial prosperity, which is read on January 19 when leaving the church with blessed water:

“I’m going home with holy water,

And you, money and luck, are behind me.

All the troubles and losses

Go to the other side.

Key, lock, tongue.

Amen. Amen. Amen."

Conspiracy for wealth and financial well-being.

Take blessed water from the church and walk through all the rooms, chanting the water with the words:

“Holy water came to the house and brought me prosperity.

There will be losses in this house,

there will be abundance coming every day.

Luck will accompany me in everything,

I will never fail in anything, I know.”

Then place this water overnight in the most important place in the apartment, and wash your face with it in the morning.

Conspiracy while the snow melts:

“Fire will melt pure snow and turn it into Jordanian water.

Ivan the Baptist will sanctify the water and bless it with God’s grace.”

Baptism of a child on Epiphany January 19

You can baptize a child on Epiphany (January 19). There are no prohibitions in the church regarding this matter. But you need to check the daily schedule with the clergy and sign up in advance.

On this day there are many people who want it, and besides, the priests bless the water and you need to find someone who can baptize the child.

How do people spend this day and what traditions do they support?

On this day, people do not work as usual, but devote it to good deeds and prayers.

Baptism ends the Yuletide period.

After the service, everyone went home, where they tried kutya. Moreover, the first person to taste kutya is the last family member to arrive. Therefore, we tried not to delay so that the whole family did not have to wait for one.

Housewives sprinkled their homes with holy water to ward off evil spirits for the whole year.

Snow was endowed with the same properties as water. It was thrown into drying wells and washed with it to give health and beauty to the skin. Women washed themselves with holy water and believed that it would preserve their beauty.

If you are in church on the 19th, light a candle in a quiet corner. This will bring good luck to you and your family.

Celebration traditions

If Christmastide is a fun celebration with folk festivities and fortune-telling, then Epiphany is the final day of celebration.

On this last day of celebration, young people go from house to house and sing carols, show small theatrical performances and recite rhymes, sing songs. For this they receive treats from the owners of the house.

Merry celebrations were also organized, where the girls were especially elegant and beautiful.

Signs and beliefs for Epiphany on January 19

There are folk signs that have been tested for centuries. Many are connected with the weather and predicting it by what the weather is like on the day of Epiphany. Usually this day is the most severe frost.

Warmth on this day means a health problem.

If there is a lot of snow, then this is for good health.

Here are some weather-related signs:

If it is clear and cold on the day of Epiphany, then the summer will be dry.

If it is cloudy and fresh, then expect a bountiful harvest this year.

A thaw means the harvest.

A clear day means a bad harvest.

If it snows near the pond during the service, then the year will be fertile and the bees will produce a lot of honey.

The trees are covered with frost - in spring it is better to sow winter crops on the same day of the week.

There are many stars in the sky - the summer is dry, berries and peas will give a rich harvest.

If the wind is from the south, then summer will be with thunderstorms.

If the sky is bright and starry, then summer will be hot, spring will be early, and autumn will be warm and long this year.

Bright stars in the sky also foretell a calm year in all respects.

For love and relationships, creating a family.

On this day, it is a good omen when a wedding is agreed upon. There is a saying: “Epiphany handshake leads to a happy family.”

Find out about marriage

On Epiphany evening, a girl needs to go out and if she meets a young handsome guy or man, she will soon get married.

It is also good to baptize a person on this day. The person will be happy.

You can also plunge into the ice hole after the 19th - this will wash away the sin committed the day before.

A bird knocking on the window reminds you to pray for the dead.

This night you will have a prophetic dream and you will have the opportunity to find out the future and avoid making mistakes if the dream was not very positive. The dream may come true after many years, so you will have time to work on your mistakes in advance.

Barking dogs mean money and prosperity.

What not to do at the Baptism of Christ

You cannot swear with holy water in your hands, otherwise it will lose its power. And in general, at this time everyone should be surrounded by harmony and peace.

You cannot spill water and fall with it, this will lead to a short life.

You cannot do laundry at home for 2 days after Epiphany and in rivers for 2 weeks.

You cannot feed chickens on the day of Epiphany and then they will not rake the beds in the spring and summer.

The Christian holiday prohibits any physical labor.

You can't get drunk on this day, but you are allowed to warm up a little.

The dead are not remembered at Epiphany, so as not to invite death. There is a special day of remembrance for this. And no matter how good and bright your memories are, leave them for another time.

You should not shed tears on this day, otherwise you will cry all year.

You cannot sew, pick up a needle and thread or knitting needles, cut, or wash.

How to make a wish for Epiphany on January 19

The time of Epiphany is the most fortunate hour when you can make a wish and it will be heard and fulfilled. Therefore, you also need to prepare for this sacrament and correctly formulate your aspirations and dreams.

When does the sky open for Epiphany at what time?

On this night of January 19, the heavens open and your every word and prayer will be heard and fulfilled. After the heavens open, the priests begin the blessing of water.

How to prepare for making a wish?

1. Ask for forgiveness from those you have ever offended. You can do it mentally.
2. Thank God for supporting your entire life and for all the good things.
3. Before appearing in front of the open sky in the evening, place a bowl of water at home and say the following words: “at night the water itself will sway.” At midnight, watch the water and when it really ripples, immediately go outside and ask God for what is most cherished and desired. They say that it will definitely come true.

Ways to make a wish for Epiphany

1. Scatter a handful of any small objects and make a wish. Then count their number. An even number means the fulfillment of a wish.
2. The day before, write 12 wishes on pieces of paper and place them under your pillow at night. In the morning, draw 3 of them at random. These will come true.
3. On the night before Epiphany, I have prophetic dreams. Before going to bed, say out loud “Saint Samson, show your holiday dream your Desire.” If you see in a dream what you wished for, then it will come true.
4. On Epiphany, pour water into a bowl and after it begins to sway, go outside and make your wish while looking at the sky. Ask God for the most secret things.
5. Another method is with water. Attach folded (so that what is written) small pieces of paper with your wishes are folded up to the edge of the dish with water. Place a non-sinking candle (tea candle) in the water. Whichever leaf the candle floats to will come true.
6. Call your pet and see which paw it crosses the threshold with. If left, then what you want will come true.
7. Write your aspirations on the mirror with a piece of soap and place it under your pillow at night. Check the mirror in the morning. If there is nothing, then this wish will come true. It has been heard.
8. You can make a wish while swimming in an ice hole. When diving, wish for what you want. And the next day, January 20, at three o’clock in the morning, going outside, ask again.
9. Take an aquamarine stone for a swim in icy water. He is like a bright flash - imagine it and throw him into the hole.

Most importantly, know that it is not the performance of rituals that is important, but the belief that everything will be as you want and faith in God, in the Higher Powers.

1. Just go out onto the balcony, outside and looking at the starry sky, make a wish and everything will come true. This may be the first star that opens to you. Believe in good things!

And remember that you only need to wish for good things that do not harm other people.

How and when do they tell fortunes for Epiphany on January 19? Is it possible to guess on this day?

Question: When do they tell fortunes for Christmas or Epiphany?

Answer: For Christmas.

On this day of Epiphany, the 19th, you cannot guess in any way, otherwise it portends trouble. After January 19, you can’t do it for 8 days either.

The last day for Christmas fortune-telling is January 18 until midnight. Therefore, do everything from Christmas from January 6 to 7 to January 18. And on the night from 18 to 19 it will no longer be possible.

Better make a wish for what you want to receive from God and the Universe. And you will get everything!

How to make a prophetic dream from January 18 to 19 and during Holy Week

Prophetic dreams are considered true, made from Thursday to Friday and on the eve of major church holidays, including Epiphany.

How to prepare for a prophetic dream

In order for such a dream to have meaning, you need to focus on what you want to know. The emotional mood is important. Decide for yourself what you want to see. State the question clearly and repeat it to yourself several times. Go to sleep with this thought.

It is better to go to bed immediately after you have done all your household chores. Do not watch TV, otherwise the impression from the film or program you watched may appear in a dream. Your state is peaceful and calm. you are ready to accept important information about your future.

It would be a good idea to ventilate the room before going to bed and add a little aroma using aromatic oils. Light an aroma lamp with the calming properties of lavender oil (good for meditation), ylang-ylang with a sedative effect. Oils of patchouli, orange, rose, sandalwood, nutmeg, chamomile, bergamot, and fennel have the same properties. This method is called relaxation therapy. In a relaxed state, a person is able to read cosmic information.

It is also advisable to sleep alone in a separate room and bed.

In the morning, immediately remember your dream in the smallest detail, since it can be easily forgotten. Then interpret it in relation to your question. It is useful to put paper and pen next to you in the evening. As soon as you wake up, you can write down what you dreamed. Then you definitely won’t forget small details. Dream books and your intuition will help with interpretation.

Remember that a dream that you don’t like is not programming for the future, but a warning of what to be wary of and what not to do. Therefore, perceive any dream positively and positively.

There are also special conspiracies for prophetic dreams.

1. “I go to bed on the night of (day of the week) under the Siamese Mountain. Three angels overhead: one hears, the second sees, the third will tell me.”
2. Place a small round mirror under the pillow, saying the words: “As light and shadow are reflected in it, so the answer to the question will be reflected in my dream.”

Yuletide dreams by day - what dreams we see during the Yuletide week.

From January 9 to 10 - about well-being, fulfillment of desires, about the family hearth. The answer to the question about the fate of loved ones.

From January 11 to 12 - about financial difficulties or vice versa about wealth, about a promotion at work.

From January 16 to 17, they don’t make any wishes. The dream itself will tell you what awaits you and what difficulties you will encounter.

Pictures and cards with the Epiphany of the Lord on January 19

Download beautiful pictures, photos, postcards for free and send them congratulations to your loved ones and friends. Below are verses that you can use in your letters.

Beautiful cards with congratulation text and poems

Animated greeting cards

Poems for Epiphany January 19

Congratulations on Epiphany on January 19, cool and funny

Get ready for the holiday -

Very cheerful, healthy,

To swim in an ice hole

And stay healthy!

Happy Epiphany Day

Everyone who honors him!

And we wish you good health,

Joy, everything...

On this day, grab a keg,

Rush to church quickly

And blessed water

Pour from the heart!

Don’t yawn at Epiphany,

Dip your butt into the hole!

Let Epiphany water

Will give you health for years!

Happy Baptism of the Lord!

Happy Baptism to you, people!

Fuck you all on a platter!

To hell - little pig,

Vodka for the pig,

For vodka - caviar,

For caviar - bread crust,

Spread the bread with butter,

And may God bless you!

Don't yawn at Epiphany

Dip your butts into the hole,

So that until the new Epiphany

The sensations remained!

Happy Baptism of the Lord!

On Epiphany Day, smile

Rejoice at the holy water

But don't get carried away too much

You are icy water!

May the Lord bless

But don't get bronchitis!

Happy Baptism of the Lord!

Girls jump into the ice hole at night,

Naked butts loom!

The men follow them

So the old grandfather climbed in!

After all, the water is holy now,

Useful for your health!

And the Epiphany frosts

Brings laughter through tears!

Happy Baptism of the Lord!

I wish you light and love in your family,

With friends of kindness and understanding,

Find solutions in Epiphany,

May God appreciate your efforts.

Beautiful congratulations on your baptism on January 19, short SMS in verse in four lines

SMS congratulations on the Epiphany of the Lord

Congratulations on your Baptism,

With spiritual ablution!

Be happy my beloved,

And also healthy, my dear friends!

Congratulations on your Baptism

And I wish you at this hour

Easy cleansing showers

And God's blessing!

Love and Faith will save the world,

Your soul will find peace!

When Baptism occurs,

I congratulate you on your cleansing!

Congratulations

Christ Blessing,

Done today

On the Epiphany of the Lord!

We sincerely congratulate you on your Baptism,

You do good every day,

Always live positively and friendly,

Beautiful, worthy, generous!

Let the Epiphany frosts

They will carry away trouble and tears

And they will add fun to life,

Happiness, joy, luck!

Relatives, friends, sisters, parents and others - for all occasions.

Friends

Today is Holy Baptism,

Washing the body of a sinner,

Congratulations my friends,

And I wish you for the coming days

Good health to you,

Live in peace and with love!

More spiritual powers

And that God would forgive sins!

Parents

Mom and dad, my dear people,

Congratulations on your Baptism!

Join you dears

I wish you the sacred sacrament!

To be healthy in soul and body,

So that happiness does not leave you,

And forget about your problems!

Take a dip in holy water once!

Brother

Beloved, my dear brother,

Happy Epiphany to you!

I congratulate you, be glad

You celebrate the whole world, loving!

I wish you happiness, peace and light,

And fulfillment of all desires,

So that you are rich, but at the same time

I haven’t lost my spiritual knowledge!

To my beloved husband

On Epiphany the sky parted,

And God smiled from above!

And wherever you are on holiday,

I wish he touched you

With a light, holy and kind hand,

Beloved, my dear husband!

Don't be afraid to wash your body

And renew your soul with water,

After all, this is a sacred thing,

Be clean at Baptism!

Holy water irrigation

On the days of the feast of Epiphany

Our sins are washed away

And souls are born again!

Congratulations

And God grant you patience!

Faith, truth and health

Congratulations to everyone with love!

I congratulate you on your baptism!

Today water lighting

Help us to be born again!

Wash your faces first,

Then enter the water

Connecting with nature!

Feel free to plunge into it

Healthy soul and body!

Angel touches the soul

When a person dives into water!

On the Epiphany of the Lord,

Which happened today!

Health to you for many years

God's blessings always!

Great happiness, purity,

And may your dreams come true!

To my sister

My dear sister

Congratulations on your Baptism!

May the Lord protect you

It only gives you happiness in life!

Lots of joy and health,

So that the soul lives only with love!

Let's take off our clothes

Let's dive into the sacred water

We will always live with hope

That we will find our happiness!

Let your soul be filled with light

And it will become easy in no time!

I ask God about this

Congratulations on your Baptism!

On the bright Epiphany holiday,

Different people meet

Wash yourself with holy water,

Be born again with your soul!

On this day I wish you health

Both for you and for your loved ones,

So that there is no pain in life,

So that there is no risk in life!

Relatives

Congratulations to my family on your Baptism,

With this God's blessing!

Be happy, be kind to people,

Be affectionate and sweet!

Then all the love will return to you,

And it will turn out to be good for you.

Because on Epiphany night,

Everything bad goes away!

Friends

John baptized Jesus

And passed on the ritual to centuries,

And Epiphany became a holiday,

Dive into holy water!

Congratulations my friends,

And I wish you for many days

For the soul peace and happiness,

Don’t encounter bad weather in life!

Send congratulations to others

And may God grant you all patience!

To my sister

On Epiphany, my dear sister

If you believe in a miracle

It will come, I know it

Wishes will come true!

After all, this is a holiday for the soul,

The only good thing, believe me, is

And don’t rush to sleep at night,

Open all the doors to a miracle!

The miracle of spiritual birth,

It takes place on Epiphany!

We will be the happiest

Beautiful in soul and body!

Congratulations on a wonderful holiday

And I wish you not to waste your strength in vain,

And live together with your soul,

And you don’t need more to be happy!

Don't forget about your soul,

She also needs an update

And even when there are not enough days,

Take care of her with inspiration!

And on the Epiphany of the Lord,

You need to give a gift to your soul -

Wash her in water today,

This way you will find happiness!

Congratulations my friends,

Happy Baptism today to me!

Jesus said - accept Baptism,

This is a good purpose

The people responded at once,

And the ice opened up like a cross!

I congratulate you all on this,

And I wish everyone peace!

The good news has spread

The Baptism of the Lord takes place

And there were countless people gathered,

At the holy water today!

I congratulate you on your holiday,

Baptism is a good thing

And I beg God for you,

May he give peace to his soul!

Healthy big body,

There is always forgiveness for misdeeds!

Never be idle

And more communication with friends!

To the holy waters of Jordan

Jesus came in to become baptized,

And under the hands of John

I have found a different soul!

And he advised the people

Receive Baptism by water,

To find freedom for your soul

Healthy body, peace of mind!

And I wish you on this holiday

Find peace and find peace,

So as not to rush around the world,

And don't go astray!

Forget all the sorrows of sadness,

Just wait for happiness ahead,

So that the body of water is cleansed,

Leaving the bad behind!

Parents

My dear parents,

Please accept my congratulations!

On the holiday - Epiphany,

The birth of the human soul!

I wish you well-being

May evil disasters pass you by!

Health, happiness and love,

God bless you and keep you safe!

On Great Epiphany

salvation of our souls,

I wish everyone joy

And be with God in goodness!

So that children are healthy,

May there be peace throughout the whole world!

So that people believe in miracles,

Then we will all be happy!

To loved ones

Baptism occurs

Our souls are washed,

All our sins are forgiven,

Life begins anew!

I wish you this goodness,

I wish you this joy!

Be happy my beloved,

My loved ones, kind, dear!

For those who perform the ritual.

The sacrament is being performed today,

Angels in the sky are singing

Great Epiphany of the Lord

The people rejoice and rejoice!

I warmly congratulate you on this,

And after the great ablution,

I wish your body health

And a great relief to the soul!

Great happiness will come to us,

It will dispel all bad weather,

Through the Baptism of the Lord,

Which will take place today!

And I, friends, congratulate you,

I wish my soul to be born again,

May happiness be with you,

Reward for good deeds!

Receive Christ's blessing

Take a dip in the holy waters

Listen to the chants

Finding freedom for souls!

This holiday is wonderful

Simple and useful!

Despite the severe frosts,

We dive into the depths of the Cross,

Let the water wash away our tears,

We will ask Christ for a miracle!

For your children still health,

May the Lord protect their tender ones!

I congratulate you on your Epiphany with love,

I know that it will bring you happiness!

Let's forget the insults and quarrels,

Unnecessary conversations

Let's wash ourselves in Jordan today

On the day of the Epiphany!

I wish everyone health

And happy holiday to you!

The frost on the street is crackling,

But our people are always in a hurry,

For the holiday - Holy Epiphany,

To perform ablution!

Plunge into icy water

And wake up clean tomorrow!

Please accept congratulations,

Let an angel into your heart!

To be born of water and the Spirit,

Holy water helps!

This is what Jesus said to Nicodemus,

I'm going to tell you.

Don't be afraid of the water in the Jordan,

We will only become healthier!

Feel free to accept Baptism,

And my sincere congratulations!

The Feast of the Epiphany is also called Epiphany, since the Holy Trinity first appeared to the world on this day - God the Father proclaimed the Son from heaven, the Son received Baptism in the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended on the Son.

All four Gospels testify to this: “... Jesus came in those days from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John, and when he came out of the water, John immediately saw the heavens opening and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him. And a voice came from heaven : “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Sputnik Georgia asked about the history of the Epiphany holiday and what traditions, customs and signs are associated with it in Orthodoxy.

Epiphany

Christians have been celebrating the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ from the prophet John the Baptist in the Jordan River since ancient times.

One of the very first Christian holidays began to be celebrated during the lifetime of the apostles - it is mentioned in the apostolic decrees and rules. Until the 4th century, Epiphany and Christmas were a single holiday called Epiphany.

On Epiphany, in the first centuries of Christianity, converts were baptized - they were called catechumens. As a sign that the Sacrament of Baptism cleanses a person from sin and enlightens him with the Light of Christ, this day was often called the “day of Enlightenment”, “Feast of Lights”, or “holy Lights”. The custom of blessing water in reservoirs existed even then.

© photo: Sputnik / Yuri Kaver

The separate celebration of the Nativity of Christ and the Baptism of the Lord was first introduced around 377 in the Church of Constantinople. Later, the custom of celebrating the Nativity of Christ on December 25 spread from Constantinople throughout the Orthodox East.

On Epiphany Eve there is a strict fast, and, in principle, you are not supposed to eat until the water is blessed. This is the first day of fasting, in fact, after Christmas, since before that the church celebrates Christmastide, when there is no fasting.

In some Eastern churches, the ancient combination of holidays remains. For example, Armenians continue to celebrate Christmas and Epiphany on the same day - January 6th.

The meaning of the feast of the Epiphany is explained in liturgical texts as follows: the Lord accepted baptism for the salvation of people, not for His own purification, which He did not need. The modern Sacrament of Baptism gives the grace of God because the water of baptism is sanctified by the Lord.

Traditions

Agiasma or Epiphany water is one of the main shrines - in Orthodox churches the Great Blessing of Water is celebrated annually on Epiphany and on the eve of the holiday - on Epiphany Christmas Eve.

The tradition of blessing water on the eve of the holiday is believed to date back to the ancient Christian practice of Epiphany after the morning service of Epiphany of the Catechumens.

The Blessing of Water on the feast of the Epiphany is associated with the custom of Christians of the Jerusalem Church to march to the Jordan, to the traditional place of the baptism of Jesus Christ, on the day of Epiphany.

© photo: Sputnik / Alexander Kryazhev

The special healing properties of holy water, which replenish the mental and physical strength of a person who receives it with faith, were noticed in the ancient Church.

And today, after a special prayer service, during which the healing grace of the Holy Spirit is invoked on the water, according to tradition, believers in the church drink Epiphany water, wash their faces with it, fill their bottles with agiasma and take them home.

The supply of holy water, which should be kept in the home of every Christian, is replenished by believers once a year. A special property of agiasma is that when added in small quantities even to ordinary water, it imparts beneficial properties to it, so Epiphany water can be diluted with plain water in case of its shortage.

Customs and rituals

The traditions and rituals of this holiday go back to ancient times. The holiday of Epiphany ended with Christmastide, which was a period “without the cross” according to popular belief, since Jesus Christ, who was born recently, had not yet been baptized.

On this day, the “terrible evenings” also ended, during which otherworldly forces walked freely in the human world. On Epiphany Eve it was believed that this evil spirit became especially dangerous. Accordingly, many rituals and traditions in the old days were carried out with the goal of cleansing themselves of evil spirits and closing the boundaries between the living and the dead.

People prepared for the feast of the Epiphany very carefully - they put the house in perfect order, swept and washed the floors, because they believed that the devils could hide in the rubbish.

They fumigated with incense smoke, sprinkled with holy water and drew crosses with chalk in all places where evil spirits could hide - corners, windows, doors, cellar, oven, outbuildings and gates.

People sat down at the festive table with prayer when the first star lit up in the sky. On Epiphany Christmas Eve, the dinner, which consisted of Lenten dishes, had its own name - “hungry kutia”.

The whole family gathers at the festive table, just like before Christmas - in the old days it was believed that if all generations of the same family gathered together, then the large family would live the entire next year in the same composition, and, most importantly, in health.

Kutia and uzvar were always served on the festive table, as well as fish, dumplings, pancakes, vegetables and baked goods. According to tradition, after dinner, to ensure a good year for bread, all the spoons were put into one bowl, which was covered with bread.

To find out their future, people listened to the cattle on the night of Epiphany, because they believed that on Epiphany Eve, domestic animals acquired the ability to speak human language.

Epiphany Christmas Eve was also the last day on which Christmas fortune-telling was carried out - on this night young people held their last gatherings with fortune-telling, games and songs.

According to tradition, girls wondered about their betrothed, about the future - on this night the same rituals are suitable for fortune-telling as on Christmas Eve before Christmas and the Old New Year.

Other traditions and customs

On the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, in the morning we went to church, where after mass they blessed the water with the Great Rite. The blessing of water is carried out in the same manner both on the eve and on the day of the holiday, so the water blessed on these days is no different.

Then the whole family had a meal - on the festive table, according to tradition, 12 different dishes were served - porridge generously flavored with butter, jellied meat, baked pork, sausage, pancakes and so on. By the way, in some places in Rus' they prepared “square” pancakes so that “there would be money in the house.”

After the meal, the whole family together thanked the Almighty for the bread present on the table, and went to “let go” of the Christmas holidays - they released a white dove from the cage.

Sputnik

During all the holidays before the Epiphany, women tried not to go for water, as this was considered a purely male job, and did not rinse their clothes in the river, because they believed that devils were sitting there and they could cling to them.

At the Epiphany of the Lord, women always put viburnum or coral in a vessel with holy water and washed themselves so that their cheeks were rosy.

On Epiphany, the girls also tried to find out their fate - from the very morning of the holiday they went out onto the road and waited for a passerby. If a healthy, economical man passed first, it meant that they would soon meet their soul mate. Well, if it’s a child or an elderly person, they won’t meet their loved one in the near future.

Signs

In the old days, people used Epiphany signs, including those related to the weather, to find out what the coming year would bring them and what harvest awaited them.

A snowstorm on Epiphany means there will be a harvest. If the branches on the trees are bent by snow, there will be a good harvest, bees will swarm well. Little snow on the tree branches indicated that there would be few mushrooms and berries in the summer.

The snowstorm also indicated that it would be cold on Maslenitsa, and strong southern winds predicted a stormy summer.

The old people predicted the fertility of the lambs if the stars sparkled and burned on Epiphany evening.

The starry sky on Epiphany night is a sure sign that spring will be early, and summer and autumn will be very warm and rainy.

Spring can begin with heavy floods and river floods if the Epiphany coincides with the full moon.

A calm year without any unpleasant shocks is predicted by calm weather and clear skies on the feast of the Epiphany. This sign indicates that you can safely start something new - build a house, open your own business or start a family. Accordingly, all carefully considered decisions will bring only positive results.

A large snow cover or snowfall is a good sign, which indicated that no terrible epidemics or diseases were expected until the next Epiphany.

And rain or very strong winds on Epiphany indicated that the coming year would be very turbulent both politically and economically.

On the night of Epiphany, a silver bowl was placed on the table, filled with water. At exactly midnight, the water should ripple, and whatever wish you have time to shout over the bowl at that moment will come true.

The girls collected Epiphany snow and ice in an open field, which they used to wipe their faces so that it would be white and ruddy.

The material was prepared based on open sources