Epiphany ice-hole bathing on January 6 (19) on the Orthodox feast of the Epiphany of the Lord (Vodokreshch) is a folk tradition that exists in Russia. It is associated with dipping or bathing of the Lord in the Jordan river.
A hole is cut in the ice of a pond, a river or a lake. Then a temporary wooden ladder and railings are installed.
You need to cross yourself three times once you dipped in the freezing water. There are normally a lot of onlookers. It is also the only opportunity to see ladies in bikinis in winter in Russia.
We have the proverb: “If you called yourself a milk mushroom, off you go to a mushroom basket.” It means, once you committed to something, don’t turn back.
Men, women, children - even babies - makes no difference - everybody can and should take a dip in an ice-hole on January 19!
There are people to help you out of the ice-hole and provide moral support, hand you a towel, a parka.
In many places, ambulances and emergency services employees are available to deal with…well, emergencies. It’s all very much organised these days.
The tradition claims one can’t catch cold when taking a dip in the ice-hole on that holy day.
It’s good for your health when living in a cold climate. It helps you strengthen immune system.
Drinking vodka in a nice company afterwards is strongly encouraged.
Vladimir Putin observes this tradition every year. Traitors of the Motherland claim the water is pre-heated in the ice-hole (compare the expression on his face with other photos). The guys in black are priests blessing Mr. President. He is wearing a pair of valenki (wool felt boots) and a shuba (fur coat).
Image source Google
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