Icon - Epiphany, Hand Painted Russian Icon - Wood

Epiphany is one of the most ancient Christian holidays.
In the Gregorian calendar, it is dedicated to the revelation of Jesus Christ, as God, already in his mature age.
This holiday has different names in different parts of the world, some of which are Crossroads, Epiphany or Epiphany. The people call the Epiphany and Jordan Day holidays with the common name "Voditsi", because of their connection with water; on this day everyone who wants to be healthy during the year bathes or at least washes in a river. Where there is a body of water, a ritual throwing of the cross is performed by the local priest. After its removal, a solemn liturgy called the Deluge is celebrated. On it, the water world in the temples is renewed, and believers take it home to protect against diseases and purify the soul, it is kept throughout the year and used in difficult times for the family. On St. Jordan's Day itself, three ritual loaves are kneaded, in which the remainder of the old holy water is used, one - for the home, another - for the guests, and the third is left in front of the doors of the house. along with a glass of wine for passers-by. Boxwood bunches from the previous Christmas are burned on an iron object, and the ashes are sprinkled with holy water and buried under a fruit tree or rose bush. With a candle brought from the church, the lamp in the family iconostasis is lit with "new" fire. The new Christmas wristbands are also placed there. The evening before Midsummer is the third (and last) incense night. She must be weak. Girls also participate in this holiday in their own way. Even before sunrise, they go to the well or a local spring to pour themselves "holy" water. They wash the home icon and their face in the river. From the ritual washing and sprinkling of water on the Epiphany, the customs related to the watering and wetting of all names began, regardless of the time of the year.

In the Rhodopes, there is another tradition on this day - to throw the newlyweds (those couples who got married in the previous year) into the water for health. Bathing is done by special people: "huskars" or "blackberries". If there is no river nearby, then the ceremony is held next to a well.