Signs, traditions, sacraments and rituals for Baptism: for health, luck, money, love, desires. Is it possible to guess on the Orthodox holiday of the Baptism of the Lord? Folk omens for baptism

January 19 is considered one of the main holidays of the Orthodox Church - the Baptism of the Lord or otherwise called - Epiphany. On this day, Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the waters of the holy Jordan. Catholics celebrate this holiday on January 6th.

For the Orthodox, this holiday begins on January 18, on Christmas Eve, which closes the 12 holy days starting from Christmas. Baptism, Christmas and Christmas time are the trinity of the Holy Trinity and a single celebration - Epiphany.

January 18 - 19 is a great period to solve your problems through pure rituals and rituals.

Rituals and ceremonies for January 18, Christmas Eve

Consecration of the dwelling

The consecration of a dwelling is, of course, not its cleaning; it will not be possible to get rid of heavy energy essences and energy clots. But from energy "infections" that infect and encourage quarrels and conflicts, it will be possible to clear your residential squares. They also resort to consecration on January 18 if numerous fortune-telling and various rituals were carried out on holy days.

To conduct the rite of consecration, it is necessary to collect pure snow in a basin or bucket, let it melt. And already with melt water to sprinkle every corner of your home, starting to move from the front door clockwise. Do not forget to spray every corner of every window and interior door.

It is necessary to draw crosses over the front and interior doors, over the door jambs and over the windows with a chalk or pencil.

Thief Protection

So that thieves bypass your house all year round, on January 18, closer to the night, they go around their house around and, knocking on each window, say:

They take a candle and draw small crosses with it on the salaries of windows and doors, reading this conspiracy or “Our Father”.

Signs for January 18

• Dreams seen on January 18 or during daytime rest are always prophetic.
• Tears on the day of the Epiphany - the whole year in sorrow and tears.
• You can’t praise and scold - you can spoil the fate of yourself and the one you praise or scold.
• On Christmas Eve, you can’t take anything out of the house and give it away, you can’t go to the store: they don’t take out a penny, not a crumb of bread - so that they don’t feel needy all year.
• Shoes that you constantly wear should not be left outside the door on the night of the Epiphany - otherwise you will be sick all year.

Rituals for the fulfillment of desires on January 18

1 option

On Epiphany Christmas Eve, they pour a little holy water into a bowl or a small tureen cup, throw a silver coin into it.

Next, this cup must be placed on the windowsill or on the table so that the moonlight illuminates what is in it. They make a wish (only one - the most secret), repeat it three times.

In the morning, water is poured out on the street, in a place where passers-by rarely go or they do not exist at all, and the coin is hidden in a secluded place.

If on Christmas Eve the moon is not visible, then this ritual is ineffective.

Option 2

On the night of Epiphany, pour some holy water into a small cup. Read “Our Father” over the water, when ripples appear on the surface of the water from prayer, make your wish and repeat it three times. The desire must be sincere and not bring harm or harm to anyone.

Then, place a cup of water on a windowsill so that moonlight or starlight shines on the surface of the water. In the morning move the vessel under the icon. If the water remains still, the desire will not come true. If a ripple appears, wait for its execution.

Rituals, traditions and signs for Epiphany, January 19

On this day, the Orthodox Church venerates not only the Baptism of the Lord and Holy Theophany, but also St. Theophan the Recluse. It is believed that on the night of 19 "the sky opens" to the suffering, and what you pray for or sincerely ask for, everything will come true. But, allegedly, far from everyone is given to see the “opened” heavens, only the most pious and pure-hearted people.

The water consecrated on this day is called Agiasma, and is considered a great shrine with extraordinary miraculous power. Therefore, at Baptism it is customary to stock up on this holy water for the whole year. It is recommended to collect it in taps and reservoirs from 12 at night to three in the morning, on the night of January 19 - it is during these hours that the water is gaining its greatest power. This water is used for washing, performing various ceremonies and rituals, and they also drink it on an empty stomach every morning in order to maintain health and get rid of a number of diseases.

Epiphany water should be stored in glass jars, in a place specially designated for this, but where a person’s foot does not once again set foot. It is not recommended to keep it next to the products; a special locker under the icons is considered the best place.

There is one more rule. It is possible to dilute baptismal water, but not by adding more water to the vessel with baptismal water, but by adding some amount of baptismal water to ordinary water.

Rituals with baptismal water

Conspiracy against losses

Take the baptismal water received in the church, pour it into a small bowl, go around every room and premises with it, saying several times:

After this procedure, leave a vessel of water on the windowsill so that the moonlight or starlight leaves its reflections on the surface. If the moon or stars are not visible or are hidden by clouds, leave a cup of water near the icons. Wash it off in the morning.

Removal of damage by baptismal water

Take baptismal water from three or seven churches, if this is not possible, then from three or seven different sources. Stand in the bath and pour this water from head to toe (you can’t heat it), saying several times:

Rite to bring good luck

Signs for January 19

• Until three after Baptism, you can’t rub linen - you can’t wash it - otherwise you will erase your fate and bring on many misfortunes. Also, you can not wash in the hole for another 12 days after Baptism.
• If there is fog over open water (above the hole), then there will be a grain harvest.
• If dogs bark a lot on the night of 19 and then all day, a lot of game and animals will appear in the forests.
• If the weather is clear and frosty on January 19, expect a drought in the summer; if it is cloudy and fresh, prepare large barns for the harvest.
• If there is a full moon on January 19, expect a big spring spill.
• If on the night of 19 the sky clears up to bright stars, it will be hot and dry in summer, but with a harvest of berries and peas. If it is clear during the day, without wind, snow and clouds - to a crop failure.
• On January 19, the wind will blow from the south - beware of a thunderous summer.
• If it snows with a shovel, then expect a rich harvest.

On this day, the Church remembers the gospel event - how the prophet John the Baptist baptized the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. We will talk about the history, traditions and meaning of the holiday.

On this day, people stock up on baptismal water. The secret of her healing power has not been revealed by scientists, but believers know - God performs miracles through human prayer.

The beginning and meaning of the holiday

On the night of January 18-19, the Orthodox celebrate one of the most ancient holidays of the Christian Church - the Baptism of the Lord or Holy Theophany.

Baptism completes Christmas time, and the day before, believers celebrate the Eve or Epiphany Christmas Eve.

The origins of the holiday

January 6 - Epiphany (Three Kings Day) Epiphany, Theophany (Epiphany, Theophany) - in Catholicism.

According to Christian doctrine, it was after Baptism that Jesus began to enlighten people, illuminating them with the light of truth. In addition, in the Baptism of Christ, mankind partake of His Divine grace, having received in this sacrament the cleansing of living water, leading to eternal life. Therefore, the acceptance of the Sacrament of Baptism is an indispensable condition for believers to belong to the Church.

The Feast of Baptism is also called Theophany, since on this day the Most Holy Trinity appeared to the world for the first time - God the Father proclaimed the Son from heaven, the Son received Baptism in the waters of the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove. This day is also called the Day of Enlightenment and the Feast of Lights - from the ancient custom to perform the baptism of the catechumens on the eve of it (on the Eve), which is, in essence, spiritual enlightenment. On this day, Christ gave a person who has fallen in sin the opportunity to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit after the rite of Baptism. Since then, those who were baptized receive the forgiveness of sins and are reborn for a new, spiritual life.

history of the holiday

Baptism (Theophany) is one of the very first Christian holidays (written reports about it date back to the 2nd century). He is older than the Nativity of Christ, which was celebrated with him until the fourth century. In the IV century in Rome they began to celebrate Christmas on the day of the invincible sun on December 25th. But the ancient combination of holidays has remained in some Eastern churches: the Armenians and Indian Christians of Malabar continue to celebrate Christmas on January 6, the day of the Epiphany. The tradition of celebrating "old" Christmas on January 6 is also preserved in the Shetland Islands (where there are white nights in summer and flashes in winter). And as before, both Christmas and Epiphany are preceded by Christmas Eve.

Events of the Baptism of the Lord

After fasting and wandering in the desert, the prophet John the Baptist came to the Jordan River, where the Jews traditionally performed religious ablutions. Here he began to speak to the people about repentance and baptism for the remission of sins and baptize people in the waters. It was not the Sacrament of Baptism as we know it now, but it was a type of it.

The people believed the prophecies of John the Baptist, many were baptized in the Jordan. And then, one day, Jesus Christ himself came to the banks of the river. At that time He was thirty years old. The Savior asked John to baptize Him. The Prophet was surprised to the depths of his soul and said: “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Christ assured him that "it behooves us to fulfill all righteousness." At the time of baptism the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove, and there was a voice from heaven, saying: You are My Beloved Son; My favor is in you! (Luke 3:21-22).

The Baptism of the Lord was the first appearance of Christ to the people of Israel. It was after the Epiphany that the first disciples followed the Teacher - the apostles Andrew, Simon (Peter), Philip, Nathanael.

In two Gospels - from Matthew and Luke - we read that after Baptism the Savior withdrew into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days in order to prepare for a mission among people. He was tempted by the devil and did not eat anything during these days, and after the end of them he became hungry (Luke 4:2). The devil yielded to Christ three times and tempted Him, but the Savior remained strong and rejected the evil one (as the devil is called).

Celebration traditions

On January 18, the holiday is preceded by Epiphany Christmas Eve. On this day, the Orthodox keep a strict fast until the evening star (or until the blessed water brought from the temple), and then the family gathers at the fasting table with the indispensable juice of boiled grain, almond or nut "milk" and honey. In some places this evening was called "Hungry Kutya". On the holiday itself, in the morning we went to the temple for mass and for the great blessing of water, and then for a festive meal, where they served porridge, generously flavored with butter, pancakes, rich borscht, jelly, sausages and baked pork. In some localities, they were treated to "square" pancakes - "to make money." If alcohol, then it is best KAGOR (everything about this amazing wine on our website).

The traditional dish of this day is sochivo, which is made from cereals (such as wheat or rice), honey and raisins.

Sochivo
For cooking you will need:
- wheat (grain) - 200 g
- peeled nuts - 30 g
- poppy - 150 g
- raisins - 50 g
- fruits or berries (apple, blackberry, raspberry, etc.) or jam - to taste
- vanilla sugar - to taste
- honey and sugar - to taste
- cream - 1/2 cup.

Rinse the wheat well, pour hot water over the grain, and cook in a saucepan over low heat until soft (or in a clay pot, in the oven), periodically adding hot water. Rinse the poppy seeds, steam with hot water for 2-3 hours, drain the water, grind the poppy seeds, add sugar, honey, vanilla sugar or any jam, crushed nuts, raisins, fruits or berries to taste, add 1/2 cup of cream or milk or boiled water, and combine all this with boiled wheat, put in a ceramic bowl and serve chilled.

for your festive table you will find on our website

Jordan

On the feast of the Epiphany (Baptism), water is blessed. Water is the source of human life, its sanctification means in Orthodoxy the sanctification of life.

All over the world, where there is an opportunity, they go to the river, the sea or the lake to bless the water, and if it is not possible, the water is consecrated in the temple, and so - water is consecrated everywhere and everywhere. On frozen reservoirs, water is consecrated in special holes, which are called "Jordan" in memory of the baptism of Christ in the Jordan. There is a tradition of swimming in these holes. Epiphany, or Epiphany, water (Agiasma) since ancient times was considered a shrine. It was kept and is now kept for a year, people sprinkle it on things, take it in illness and give it to drink to those who, for some reason, cannot take communion.

Christmas Eve

The Church marks the remembrance of the Baptism of the Lord with a special rite of great consecration of water. It takes place twice - on Christmas Eve (January 18) and on the very day of Theophany. The grace of consecrating the water is the same, the prayers are the same, and the threefold immersion in the water of the cross. Since the value of water is the same on both days, it is not worth taking it twice and storing it separately in two vessels. - On Epiphany Christmas Eve, Orthodox Christians keep a particularly strict fast in order to prepare for confession and communion.

Walruses for the glory of God

There is a pious custom at Baptism to plunge into the Jordan, or the ice-hole. Swimming in the hole on this day is useful, but you need to be careful. It is no coincidence that they not only prepare an ice hole for swimming, but also put bathhouses next to it so that those who have plunged can immediately warm up. Sometimes the clergy themselves practice swimming in the hole. Not everyone dares to plunge into an ice font, but you can wash your face and hands with invigorating baptismal water.

Water was taken. What's next?

For holy water on the day of Epiphany, people go with different containers, some with a jar, some with a canister, some with a two-bucket flask.

What are the reasonable limits, how much holy water a family needs in liters?

- There are no limits here. Everyone already knows that on this day both the cathedral and the male monastery are brought water, which is consecrated by the priests until everyone who wants to collect it. And to whom, as much as necessary - but at least collect a tank, it’s not a pity.

They collected holy water, brought it home, and what to do with it?

-Holy water carries spiritual healing power. First of all, you need to sprinkle the dwelling with it. Today, not only apartments are sprinkled with it, but also offices, and even car interiors. In everyday life, baptismal water is needed daily.

The day of an Orthodox Christian begins with a prayer, after which you need to eat a piece of prosphora and drink it with a sip of holy water. Generally prudent Christians take enough water to last a whole year. Sometimes you can hear that from year to year the holy water remains, and the person does not know how to use it. And what is she worth? Use it, wash your face, sprinkle your home, yourself, your relatives. Drink a sip in the morning and evening. Why keep it? It's not a thing. You can add holy water when cooking, bathing children, taking a bath yourself. If, nevertheless, it so happened that water remained from the last or even the year before last, you can water the flowers with it - such a “feed” will also be useful for them.

What to do for those who, for various reasons, could not come to the temple or to the Jordan for holy water on January 18 and 19?

-Firstly, you can come to church for it any day, it is always there. Secondly, it is not necessary to store a whole cistern of it - a small amount of baptismal water can be poured into containers and ordinary water can be added, because, according to the holy fathers, "a drop of holy water sanctifies the sea."

Prayers of the Baptism of the Lord

Troparion of the Baptism of the Lord

voice 1
In the Jordan, baptized by You, Lord, Trinity worship appeared: For the voice of the parents testified to You, calling Your beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove, known to your word affirmation. Appear, Christ God, and enlighten the world, glory to Thee.
Translation:
When You, Lord, were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Most Holy Trinity appeared, for the voice of the Father testified of You, calling You the beloved Son, and the Spirit, who appeared in the form of a dove, confirmed the truth of this word. Christ God, who appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

Kontakion of the Baptism of the Lord

voice 4th
Thou hast appeared today to the universe, and Thy light, O Lord, is signified upon us, in the mind of those who sing Thee: Thou hast come, and Thou hast appeared the unapproachable Light.
Translation:
You have now appeared to the whole world; and Your light, O Lord, has imprinted itself upon us, consciously singing to You: “You have come and appeared, Light impregnable!”

Magnification of the Baptism of the Lord

We magnify Thee, Life-Giver Christ, for the sake of us now baptized in the flesh from John in the waters of the Jordan.
Translation:
We glorify You, Christ, the Giver of life, because You are now baptized for us in the flesh from John in the waters of the Jordan.

Healing agiasma

Translated from the Greek agiasma - "shrine". This is what is called baptismal water. There are many cases when literally a few drops poured into the mouth of an unconscious patient brought him to his senses. It is customary to consume holy water on an empty stomach, with special reverence and prayer. Although for special needs you can drink it at any time. Elder Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyritsky, when someone was very ill, blessed to take a tablespoon of holy water every hour. He also advised to sprinkle food with this water. He said that there are no stronger medicines than holy water and consecrated oil. All holy water has a special spiritual healing power. There are many cases of healing from baptismal water. One seriously ill woman undertook such a feat - to plunge into the Jordan. She had a severe cold, but literally two days later she recovered.

Baptism This is a very important event in the life of every person. Until the child is baptized, not a single conspiracy will help him, at these moments of his life no one is protecting him. But, as soon as baptism is accepted, the Angels come to the defense of the new person. And on the day when Jesus Christ was baptized, all mankind received protection from the Higher powers. For this reason, the feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ has its own meaning, as well as its signs.

Sayings and signs

For thousands of years, folk signs have evolved associated with the day of the Baptism of the Lord. It was noticed that if the weather is clear and cold on this day, the summer will be dry, cloudy and fresh - to a bountiful harvest.

If Epiphany night falls on a full moon, floods are possible in spring, a starry night portends a dry summer and an abundance of berries, and a south wind - thunderstorms. A clear day at Epiphany foreshadowed a lean year. For the young, Epiphany was the best day to agree on a wedding: "Epiphany handshaking - to a happy family." People baptized on January 19, according to popular beliefs, will be happy all their lives.

On water blessing, they get rid of any disease. Signs for Baptism are considered the most powerful and faithful, but it is worth noting that not all of them correspond to reality. Even here you need to be careful and decide whether to believe or not. From time immemorial, special ice holes have been made on rivers, lakes and other bodies of water for the holiday. The clergy performed a prayer service over this place, after which both the water in the hole and the place around the hole acquired an incredible healing power. Many centuries ago on this day, Jesus Christ entered the Jordan, was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on him. It is believed that those who bathe in the hole on this day will be able to get rid of many diseases and receive a blessing for a happy life. Not everyone dares to swim in the hole in such a frost. Epiphany frosts are famous for their strength. This is incredible, but people say that on this day the water in the hole is incredibly warm, and it is simply impossible to freeze.

Stick in the hole - pigeons are born. Indeed, there is such a custom to stick a long stick into the hole so that it reaches to the very bottom. It is believed that such a stick will help make bees and pigeons prolific. Perhaps someone considers this sign to be true, but in this case, opinions are divided. Those who keep an apiary or breed pigeons say that the main thing is to take good care of your pets, then they will breed well. Nature will do its job itself, and this sign is only superstition and nothing more.

Signs for Epiphany on January 19 and the weather

Full moon at Epiphany - there will be big melt waters. This sign is based on observations. Everyone knows that snow can melt in different ways. They can get off so that you can’t get your feet wet, or it can leak so much that rubber boots won’t save you. So people noticed that if the full moon falls on Epiphany, then when the snow begins to melt, the streets will be flooded with water like rivers. The process of melting snow will pass quickly, but there is hardly a person who does not get his feet wet these days.

If there is a new moon on Epiphany, the weather will be the same until the end of the month. Again, a sign that is associated with the weather is usually the most accurate. So, people say that if Baptism happened on a new moon, then you need to look at what the weather is like in the next three days. If the weather is clear, then until the end of the month it will be frosty and clear. If it snows, then the snowfalls will end only in early February. And if it rains, it will continue to rain until January is over.

Signs for the Baptism of the Lord and our life

Epiphany snow - a talisman against convulsions. Today, few people know that the melt water from Baptism can cure many diseases. It used to be customary to collect snow in a jug. For this, even in the house there was a special jug, which was not used for other purposes. When the snow collected for Epiphany melted and became water, this water was stored in the cellar and used if a person's legs were taken away or convulsions began. People said that such water can lift a paralyzed person and help an epileptic to get rid of the disease.

Epiphany water - whiteness for canvas. Today, there are so many chemicals that help whiten clothes. But before there was no such chemistry. And people still managed to keep their underwear white. So, in order for the linen to be white, the housewives simply sprinkled the linen with Epiphany water during washing, and achieved an amazing result. It's hard to believe, but if you try it, you'll be amazed at the result.

Epiphany snow for food - there are no problems on the farm. In this case, we are talking about domestic animals. In Russia, it was customary to add Epiphany snow to horse feed. It was believed that if they eat Epiphany snow, they will become stronger and more resilient. In addition, Epiphany snow was added to chicken feed. The people believed that this would help the chickens to start laying earlier. City dwellers may say that this is a superstition, but those who live in the countryside still claim that the omen works.

On Epiphany, the snow will roll against the fence - wait for a bad summer. This sign is also based on the observations of people. If it snows on the Epiphany holidays, and it lies close to the fence, you can not wait for the harvest. Most crops will simply rot. But if there is at least a small gap between the fence and the snowdrift, then the harvest will be wonderful. What you collect will last until next summer.

Under Epiphany the stars are bright - the sheep will lamb well. Like other big holidays, people always looked at the stars before Epiphany. It is believed that if on the night before Epiphany the stars in the sky shine brightly, then this year there will be a lot of berries in the forest, peas will be born for glory, and sheep will bring as many lambs as never before. But if the sky is overcast, then all this may not be seen.

If a blizzard sweeps at Epiphany, then it will snow, almost to the very Holy. In this case, we mean Easter. The old people say that if a blizzard blows on Epiphany, the snow will last until Easter itself. I even had a chance to check this sign for myself. When there was a snowstorm at Epiphany, the snow lay not only until Easter, but right up to Krasnaya Gorka. That is, only a week after Easter, the snow began to slowly melt. So, this sign is true, and there is no point in denying it.

If dogs bark a lot at Epiphany, there will be plenty of all kinds of animals and game in the forest. Even if the dog is not a hunting breed, the instinct of a hunter is still embedded in it. For this reason, it is generally accepted that any dog ​​is able to sense in advance when a good hunt can be expected. Therefore, real hunters closely follow this sign and already from Epiphany begin to prepare their guns in the winter.

Snow flakes - to the harvest, and if it is clear - to crop failure. A good harvest has always been very important for the people who work the land. For the sake of a good harvest, they worked. Therefore, people paid special attention to such signs that are associated with the upcoming harvest. In addition, there is another sign that is associated with bread. If it is warm at Epiphany, then the bread will be dark. This means that in the coming year there will be a very good harvest for rye, but wheat will be bad.

There are folk signs associated with the feast of the Epiphany.

One of the baptismal amulets is a church candle bought on this day. The candle must be taken home and placed near the icons. It is not necessary to light it: it was believed that this candle by its very presence would maintain light and heat in the house for a whole year.

The peasants believed that on the Epiphany night, from January 18 to 19, the sky opens before morning. Whatever you pray to the open sky, it will come true.

At midnight, women collected Epiphany snow. The old women - in order to better bleach the canvas, and the girls - the skin. It was believed that the water melted from this snow could cure various ailments, and poured into the well, it makes it inexhaustible even in the driest year.

From Epiphany to Maslenitsa comes the time of weddings. Marriages concluded at this time are considered the most successful. It is especially good if the engagement takes place on Epiphany.

Baptized at Baptism will be happy all his life.

Epiphany divination

In the old days, divination at Epiphany was a popular pastime. However, divination is not a religious custom at all. Divination has nothing to do with true Christianity and the very feast of the Baptism of the Lord, but goes back to paganism.

The girls at Epiphany guessed at the betrothed: they put different rings in a bag of grain and, taking them out in turn, determined their fate. A copper ring promised a poor groom, a silver one from a family with an average income, a ring with a gem - a noble groom, and a gold one from merchants.

Another common divination was to go outside the gate in the evening and call on the betrothed. It was considered a good omen to meet a young guy, and a bad omen to meet an old man. Dreams on the night of Epiphany were considered prophetic, and the girls thought of seeing their future spouse in a dream.

Epiphany in the West

Western Christians called the feast of the Epiphany in Latin - Dies epiphaniorum, Dies apparationum, Manifestatio - and celebrated and continue to celebrate on January 6, paying main attention to the appearance of the star and the worship of the Magi - that is, to the revelation of the Son of God to the world of paganism, whose representatives were the Magi, on The West called kings. Therefore, in Western Europe, the holiday is still called festum regum or the feast of the three kings (festum trium regum).

In Catholic churches, water, chalk and incense are consecrated on Epiphany. In some countries, the tradition has been preserved to write CMB on the doors of churches and houses (the first letters of the names of the three "kings" - Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, or the first letters of the phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat", which in Latin means "May Christ bless this house"). In Spanish-speaking countries, it is customary for the Magi (in Spanish, “Los Reyes Magos” - magician kings) to “bring” gifts to children on the feast of the Epiphany, and not on Christmas or St. Nicholas Day.

A poem about baptism

Epiphany night
Dark spruce forest with snow, like fur,
Gray frosts have sprung,
In spangles of frost, as if in diamonds,
Dozed off, leaning over the birches.

Their branches froze motionless,
And between them on a snowy bosom,
Just through the lace silver,
A full moon looks from the sky.

He rose high above the forest,
In its bright light, numb,
And strangely shadows creep,
Blackening in the snow under the branches.

The bowls of the forest were covered with a blizzard, -
Only traces and paths wind,
Running away between pines and fir trees,
Between the birches to the dilapidated gatehouse.

Gray-haired blizzard lulled
With a wild song, the forest is empty,
And he fell asleep, covered with a blizzard,
All through, motionless and white.

Mysteriously slender thickets sleep,
They sleep, dressed in deep snow,
And glades, and meadows, and ravines,
Where once the streams roared.

Silence - even the branch does not crackle!
And, perhaps, behind this ravine
The wolf makes his way through the snowdrifts
Cautious and insinuating step.

Silence - and, perhaps, he is close ...
And I stand, filled with anxiety,
And I look tensely at the thickets,
On footprints and bushes along the road.

In the distant thickets, where the branches are like shadows
Patterns weave in the moonlight

Epiphany is one of the 12 most important Orthodox holidays, completing the period of Christmas time, which began with the Nativity of Christ on January 7th.

As with any holiday on Epiphany, there are a lot of traditions, customs and signs. However, the most important thing on this day is water, because it was in it that Jesus Christ was baptized.

The editors of the site have prepared for you the most important customs and traditions that must be observed on this day.

history of the holiday

Orthodox Christians have been celebrating Epiphany for more than 2,000 years in a row since John the Baptist baptized the son of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

It is believed that after the rite of baptism was completed, the holy spirit descended to the people in the form of a dove and everyone listened to God's voice, which said: "You are my beloved son; my good will is in you!"

After baptism, Jesus set out on a journey. For 40 days he wandered in the desert, preparing himself for a sacred duty. Returning back, the son of the Lord sacrificed himself for the sake of the people and resurrected on the day that is now commonly called the Resurrection of Christ or Easter.

Like Christmas, the feast of Epiphany has its own Christmas Eve. It is also called the hungry holy evening. The fact is that at this time it is already necessary to fast and all the dishes on the table should be lean. On this day, the last kutya is prepared, which ends the Christmas holidays. In addition to it, uzvar, dumplings, pancakes should be present on the table.

Traditions and customs

As already mentioned on this day, all traditions are connected with water. Now, of course, everyone will say that on Baptism it is necessary to plunge into the hole and draw sacred water.

Let's start with swimming. It is believed that the best time for swimming is the night of January 19, when the priest, after the evening service, blesses the water in the reservoir. However, those who did not have time to swim can do this throughout the entire feast of Epiphany.

At the same time, you also need to dive into the hole wisely. This is done only after a special Jordan in the form of a cross is cut through the ice, and the priest lowers the crucifix into the water and reads a prayer. You need to dip three times, but preferably not with your head, otherwise it can lead to a sharp decrease in temperature and pressure drop.

Bathing in reservoirs on this day cleanses the soul and body, protects a person from various evil spirits, as well as diseases.

So that the water does not lose its sacred power, it also needs to be dialed correctly. Our ancestors believed that at midnight on Epiphany, in general, all water becomes holy. If you collect it, then such water will stand for a whole year and not lose its healing properties.

The main rule in this case is the purity of the container into which water is collected. It should not be stored in liquor or plastic bottles. Previously, the housewives had a special jug where they collected baptismal water, clogged the vessel and carried it out to the cellar. She was used for a whole year for any illnesses, and she always helped.

What not to do on a holiday

Along with the traditions of Baptism, there are many prohibitions. The main one is a ban on any work - you can’t cook, clean, build, and so on, as well as do needlework. The whole holiday should be devoted to cleansing the soul from all the sins that have accumulated over the year.

It is also imperative not to swear, not to gossip, not to slander, and not to complain about your fate and the people around you. it is not recommended to arrange wild festivities and magnificent feasts, since the Epiphany fast is one of the most stringent and must be adhered to.

It was believed that after Epiphany, the winter frosts were already on the wane. Ukrainians liked to say at this time: "Three, do not tremble, but Vorokhreschi have already passed!"

Folk omens

On this day, people especially watched the weather, and from it they could determine what the whole coming year would be like. At the same time, popular beliefs say that the signs noticed in Baptism are the most faithful and everything that happens on this day must be paid special attention.

Among the most common signs are:

• if the weather is clear and frosty on this day, we should expect a drought in the summer;
• if it is cloudy and snowing outside, then a bountiful harvest awaited people;
• if at Epiphany noon blue clouds were observed in the sky, then the year should again be fruitful;
• if a full moon fell on Epiphany, then until the end of January the weather will be the same as the next three days after the holiday;
• if it rains, then the end of January will be cloudy and rainy;
• a cross painted on the door of the house will protect the family from evil spirits;
• barking dogs at night is a harbinger of good news.

Epiphany divination

The favorite entertainment of unmarried girls at Epiphany was fortune telling. Now they say that you can’t guess on this holiday, since you can guess fate for the worse. We will give you some of the most common ways to find out your fate, and it’s up to you to choose whether you do it at Baptism or not.

Divination with sounds. On a moonlit Epiphany evening, the girls went to the church and listened to the silence under the door. If they heard a wedding choir, it was worth waiting for an imminent wedding, and if a funeral service - a funeral.

There is a similar divination, but a bell is used for it. By its sound, they determined what the next year promised. So, if the ringing was sonorous, then this is for marriage, deaf - for imminent death.

Divination on bread with a ribbon. In an empty pot you need to put a piece of bread and a ribbon. Whatever you pull out blindfolded first is waiting for you this year. The ribbon symbolizes the arrival of matchmakers, and the bread means that the fortuneteller will sit in girls for another year.

Divination on paper. A sheet of paper must be crumpled and then set on fire. After it completely burns out with a candle on the wall, you need to create its shadow. What it will look like, this year, you have to wait.

Fortune telling in the snow. This year, some snow fell in Ukraine, so you can try to tell fortunes on it. In the evening, the girls fell backwards into the snow. Already in the morning they looked at the left trace. If it was smooth and even, then the character of the future husband will be good. If the snow turned out to be cut, then the spouse may turn out to be pugnacious.

Fortune telling on buns. A group of girls gathered in the house, you had to have a bun with you. The pastries were laid out in one row and launched into the room to the guessing hungry dog. Whose bun he eats first, she will marry this year.

The cycle of Christmas holidays ends with the Epiphany of the Lord. This is a holiday when the 30-year-old Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan. He substantiated one of the main church sacraments, through which a person is born again in Christ. Since then, those who were baptized receive the forgiveness of sins and are reborn for a new, spiritual life.

The carols mention three holidays: the Nativity of Christ, St. Basil and the Baptism of the Lord. Signs say that on this day you can not do anything around the house, especially it is forbidden to pick up scissors. Our ancestors strictly adhered to prohibitions and sacredly believed in omens.

history of the holiday

On January 19, the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated. The history of the holiday begins from the time of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During the sacrament of baptism, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven. In honor of the appearance of the Lord in fullness, the holiday is usually called Holy Theophany. proclaimed the words from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”, the Son was baptized on earth, the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove. On this day, Jesus Christ began to serve people and preach.

Since then, water has been considered a symbol of purification. On the feast, a religious procession is performed, in Christian churches, on rivers, lakes, a rite of blessing with water is performed. It is believed that whoever plunges into the Jordanian water three times in the hole will not get sick all year.

The magical properties of baptismal water

On January 18 and 19, Christians go to church to pray and draw Jordanian water. It is necessary that there is always sacred water in the house, it is advisable to start every prayer with it. Signs for the Baptism of the Lord say that if children are washed with Jordanian water, they will grow up healthy and happy. They sprinkle the dwelling with it, give it to pets, so that the offspring is good. It improves mood, relieves anxiety, heals wounds of the body and soul. Girls wash their faces to be beautiful.

The priest goes around the houses of the parishioners in order to cleanse them of all evil spirits with the help of prayer and water and bless them. It's not good to lock the door on him. How to meet the Baptism of the Lord without receiving a blessing from him for the family and home? It was believed that such a family would be accompanied by trouble for a whole year.

Swimming in the hole

On the morning of January 19, there is a tradition of swimming in the hole, which was carved in the shape of a cross on the eve of the holiday. The cross itself was installed nearby. Sometimes it was decorated with spruce or pine branches. They also poured beetroot juice, coloring it red, which symbolized fire. At Baptism, signs and beliefs say that these days there is a double cleansing - with fire and water.

Doctors are supporters of only healthy people bathing in the hole. You need to do it right. You should bring a large towel, a change of clothes and shoes, a hat.

It is not recommended to take part in baptismal bathing for people prone to the following diseases: obesity, arrhythmias, hypertension, diseases of the respiratory tract, reproductive system. It is forbidden to swim during women's days.

Signs associated with the font

There are no strict restrictions and regulations regarding swimming in Jordanian water. It is correct to sink into the water, looking east, and in no case turn your head to the west. According to beliefs, the east is the place of God and goodness, the west is the side of the devil and evil. Lowering into the water with your face in this direction is equated with a deal with evil spirits.

Women need to dive into the hole in a shirt. Signs for the Baptism of the Lord explain this by protecting yourself from other people's sins, which can be washed off from some and stick to other bodies. Women should be covered with a head covering, men, on the contrary, without hats.

Having crossed yourself, go into the water up to your chest. Triple dipping into water with faith and prayer is considered symbolic. This is done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After what has been done, you need to immediately go ashore, rub yourself dry with a towel, get dressed, drink hot tea with honey, brought in a thermos in advance. Alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited.

Epiphany menu

The celebration begins on January 18th. The eve is called Epiphany Christmas Eve. In the people it is called Hungry or Poor Kutya.

After waiting for the first star, the whole family gathers at the table for dinner, adhering to a strict fast all day. 12 dishes are served on the table, the main one is kutya (sochivo). Hence the name of the evening - Epiphany Christmas Eve. This is a porridge made from whole wheat, which symbolizes wealth, generosity of the future harvest, unity and prosperity in the family. It is with Kutia that the signs for Baptism are associated - January 19. If it turns out tasty, life will be easy and sweet. Burnt porridge indicates trouble this year.

They cooked it with special love and prayer. Symbolic ingredients were added to kutya: honey for a sweet life, poppy seeds, which from ancient times drove away evil spirits, nuts so that life's difficulties were easily overcome, raisins for abundance in the house. In no case should kutya be thrown away, it is better to give it to birds or pets.

Dumplings with potatoes and cabbage, cabbage rolls with millet, fish, mushroom soup, pancakes, uzvar - dry compote were also served on the table.

And on January 19, a rich table is laid with various dishes, meat casseroles, sausages, aspic, and pastries. It is recommended to start the festive meal with prayer and sacred water.

Signs and beliefs associated with Baptism

The people believed: how to meet the Baptism of the Lord, so the year will pass. If you spend January 18 in fasting, prayer and obedience, take part in the procession on January 19, swim in the hole, having cleansed yourself with Jordanian water, then the Lord's blessing will not leave the whole year.

At Baptism, signs and beliefs are filled with mystical meaning, associated with otherworldly forces. According to legend, this is the time of rampant demonic power, which is trying to enter the house in any image and likeness.

People tried in every way to protect themselves from evil spirits. For this, crosses were drawn with chalk on the doors and windows, a bouquet of last year's whole wheat was placed in the house, garlic cloves were placed under the tablecloth at four corners, and poppy seeds were added to kutya.

Epiphany "hydrometeorological center"

At the Baptism of the Lord, signs are associated with natural phenomena and weather conditions:

1. If the weather is clear and cold, it will be a dry summer, and fresh and cloudy predicts a rich harvest.
2. The south wind will bring a thunderous summer.
3. What is the weather on January 19, this will be the beginning of next winter.
4. The full moon on Epiphany night meant possible floods in the spring.
5. The starry sky predicted a dry summer and a plentiful harvest of berries.
6. Snow while dipping into the hole prophesied a high harvest of bread.

The wisdom of the people

People watched what they were most excited about. At the Baptism of the Lord, signs are associated with life:

1. If all domestic animals are given holy water, they will bring a good offspring.
2. On this day, it is not customary to feed chickens - to a bad harvest.
3. Three days after Baptism, you can not rinse clothes. Water is considered sacred these days, and it cannot be defiled with dirty linen.
4. If you wash these days, your hands will hurt.
5. If there was a fruit tree in the garden that did not give birth, they came to it with sacred water, watered it to heal it. It was believed that it would begin to bear fruit.
6. January 19 promises him a happy life and the Lord's blessing.

Epiphany divination

Do the signs for Baptism - January 19, tell the truth? Everyone can check for themselves. But since ancient times, the night of January 18-19 (Epiphany evening) was considered the most suitable for fortune-telling.

To check how rich the year will be, you need to take three plates and a coin. In this divination, you need an assistant who will put a coin under one of the plates. Guessing from the first time where the money is hidden prophesies a rich carefree life. If the second time - there will be no big money problems either. And if you don’t guess three times, you will have to work hard to earn a living.

6 glasses can tell fate. In each of them you need to put a thing that symbolizes something: sugar is a sweet life, salt is sadness, a coin is wealth, a piece of bread is prosperity, a pea is the birth of a child, a ring is marriage. The choice determines the events in the year.

The most mystical and reverent divination with a mirror and candles. Put dishes with water on the table, light candles on three sides. Behind the decanter is a mirror, peering into which you can see the future.

At the Epiphany of the Lord, signs say that girls can see their future husband. To do this, pour ¾ of water into a glass, lower the ring to the bottom, placing it exactly in the center, and carefully peer.

To see a betrothed in a dream, you need to eat something salty in the evening. When going to bed, turn to the future groom: "Betrothed-mummer, bring me some water to drink." Whoever dreams is destined to live with it.

The road to a happy family life

All fortune-telling is connected with the desire of girls to successfully marry. Everyone wanted a good groom, a beautiful wedding and a happy life. To be lucky with her husband, the girls tried to adhere to a strict fast.

The guys, having bathed in the hole, drunk the sacred water, were going to woo. If a couple is planning a wedding for Baptism, signs prophesy young people a happy life full of joy.

The Lord Himself blesses the young family with sacred water, washing away the sins of their ancestors, for which the young will not have to pay. On Epiphany, signs, customs say that this is the most suitable time to start family life.

Without knowing the past and traditions, the people are not worthy of the future. One of the most revered Christian holidays, with which customs, beliefs and traditions are associated, is the Baptism of the Lord. The history of the holiday begins more than 2 thousand years ago. It contains a tribute to and worship of the Holy Trinity, faith in the healing power of the sacred Jordanian water, a secret mystical connection with the other world and the remnants of pagan beliefs. And it depends on each of us to what extent this invaluable national wealth will reach future generations.

The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated annually on January 19. Signs and traditions collected by many generations have survived to this day and are still popular.

One of the most revered holidays among Orthodox Christians is the Baptism of the Lord. The signs that were noticed that day helped to predict subsequent events. The main Epiphany tradition is swimming in the hole. On the night of January 18-19, believers plunge into the cruciform consecrated polynyas to symbolically repeat the washing of Christ in the Jordan River. Water on this day acquires healing properties, relieves physical and spiritual ailments. Therefore, believers collect baptismal water with them and store it throughout the year.

Traditions and signs for Baptism

Orthodox Christians celebrate the holiday with their families at the festive table. During fasting, a diet is observed, so you should refrain from eating meat and alcohol. According to tradition, the first to taste the food is the one who last bathed in the hole.

On Epiphany, housewives sprinkle their house with holy water, thereby expelling evil spirits and attracting grace to their homes. Quarrels and conflicts are excluded on this day. Families visit each other with songs and carols.

It is believed that a marriage proposal on January 19 is the key to a long and happy family life. The contract between the parents of the bride and groom was blessed in heaven. Mothers of the bride and groom on this joyful day asked to reward the couple with healthy and strong offspring and sewed symbolic vests for future grandchildren. Babies who were born were baptized in these clothes.

According to popular beliefs, the snow on the feast of Epiphany also has healing properties. Mistresses used it to clean white bed linen, and young girls washed themselves with snow - it was believed that this would add beauty and attractiveness. Now Epiphany snow is being collected and taken to the house. They also wash children so that they grow up healthy and strong.

Our ancestors also followed the weather. It was an accurate indication of how the year would go. An abundance of snow, as well as a clear and bright sky, foreshadowed a rich harvest of bread. Frost on the trees promised a large number of mushrooms, berries and nuts in summer. If there was little snow, they prepared for a dry summer. The many-voiced barking of dogs was considered a lucky sign - it foreshadowed the abundance of game in the lands.

The traditional occupation for Baptism was also ridding one's home of negative energy. The house was ventilated, and salt was scattered in the corners, which served as an insurmountable barrier to evil spirits. Church candles helped charge the house with positive energy and attract well-being. They were lit in every room and the fire was carefully monitored - an even and clean light meant that there was harmony and peace in the house, and the crackling, smoke and flashing of a candle light meant that the house was unclean.

It is believed that people who have received the sacrament of baptism on this day become lucky and carry a particle of God's grace in themselves.

The signs collected by our ancestors are still relevant and used by contemporaries to this day. Pray for your loved ones and wish them a righteous and happy life. Use every day to get better and don't forget to press the buttons and

19.01.2017 02:05

Every year the Orthodox Christian world celebrates one of the most important holidays - the Baptism of the Lord. In that...