The church holiday is celebrated annually. Many traditions and customs are associated with its implementation. Epiphany 2020 events are planned according to Christian rules. In addition to the actions obligatory for all believers, popular beliefs and traditions are widespread, known only in some regions. There are different ways to guess, make a wish, predict the future according to Epiphany signs. swimming in the ice-hole also remains popular.
History, traditions and customs of the holiday
As is known from ancient scriptures, baptism took place on the Jordan River, conducted by John the Baptist. The sacrament consisted of washing off all sorts of sins from a person. Jesus Christ also went through the procedure, although John doubted if he could perform the ceremony on God's Son. Subsequently, this fact became a prototype of baptism among Christians, and the day itself was ranked among the most important holidays.
The history of the Baptism of the Lord is passed down in the holy scriptures from generation to generation. The rite itself has changed somewhat over the past centuries; there are also differences in the celebration of the event by Orthodox and Catholics. Even in one country, the celebration can be held in different ways.
It is recommended to check with the clergy of a particular locality about the upcoming events for the Baptism of the Lord in 2020.
Orthodox Baptism
For the Orthodox world, Epiphany has been one of the most important 12 holidays after Easter for many years. At the same time, Baptism and Epiphany mean the same thing for Orthodox Christians, while in other directions of Christianity they are distinguished.
The main chants of the holiday:
- Troparion;
- Kontakion;
- Backer;
- Exaltation.
The main event, according to the traditions of the Baptism of the Lord, is the lighting of the water. In ancient times, a cross-shaped hole was cut down on the Jordan River and prayers were read. On the basis of this tradition, various variations appeared, for example, the procession of the cross, the construction of a temporary chapel on the shore.
Catholic Baptism
The meaning of the holiday for Catholics is reduced to gratitude to God for pointing out the Son of Jesus Christ and His anointing with the Holy Spirit. The celebration consists of attending a solemn mass in the church and a subsequent family dinner by the fireplace after midnight. During Baptism in the Catholic Church, besides water, incense and chalk are also blessed. The first letters of the names of the Magi are written last at the entrance to the house: "K + M + B". It is believed that the inscription drives away dark forces and evil thoughts. The tradition of burning bonfires is also preserved - the so-called Elifan fires.
In 2020, the Catholic world will celebrate the Baptism of the Lord on January 12.
What date is the Baptism of the Lord celebrated?
It is generally accepted that the celebration takes place from January 18 to January 19, regardless of the year and other church traditions. In fact, the exact date depends on the specific direction of Christianity:
- among Catholics, the event is timed to the Epiphany, at first it was celebrated a week after it - on January 13, and now on the next Sunday after this holiday;
- Orthodox Epiphany is celebrated according to the old style on January 6, and according to the new style on January 19;
- ancient Eastern churches combine the Baptism and the Birth of Christ in one feast of the Epiphany on January 6.
In the Russian Federation, the Baptism of the Lord in 2020 is celebrated on January 19. Festive events begin on Christmas Eve - on the evening of the 18th.
What do they do for Epiphany?
The holiday is considered to purify a person at the physical, spiritual and psychological levels. Baptism helps to get forgiveness for committed sins and bad thoughts, get rid of evil eyes, damage, curses.For the same reason, it is customary to clean the house - on the eve of the hostess do a general cleaning. It is also recommended to observe a strict fast on Christmas Eve.
The evening meal for the Baptism of the Lord begins with a prayer. The first thing they eat is kutia - a dish made of rice, honey, raisins. Then all other dishes are allowed. It was popular among the people to go caroling. In the modern world, this custom is rarely remembered, but such fun is still found. Believers go to church at night. The festive service is gradually turning into the morning liturgy.
After the priest has consecrated the water, it is customary to plunge into the hole. It can be replaced by a hot tub, as well as any open body of water. At the same time, the church does not consider this tradition obligatory. Believers immerse themselves in water during their own baptism once in a lifetime. The custom of diving into an ice-hole is more related to pagan amusements.
It is advisable to spend the holiday itself in the circle of loved ones and relatives. Fasting is not required, on the contrary, it is allowed to eat whatever one wants. But the meal should be started with prayer and holy water. Also, the main dish is kutia. Traveling to holy places is considered a good pastime.
Bathing for Epiphany
Epiphany water is famous for its unusual properties. It is believed that having bathed for Epiphany in a natural reservoir, one can heal the body and soul, cleanse oneself from sins, and recharge oneself with energy for the whole year. It is generally accepted that it is necessary to plunge into an ice hole or a special font. Often, an area in an open reservoir is freed from ice or simply fenced off in the form of a cross.
Even the tap water flows very special on this day. If it is not possible to go to church or swim in the ice hole, it is permissible to take a refreshing shower at home.
Read more in the article: All about swimming and diving into the ice hole at the Baptism of the Lord
Epiphany weather also testifies to the solemnity and sacredness of the moment. Even people who have nothing to do with Christianity have repeatedly heard the expression "Epiphany frosts." Indeed, regardless of the region and weather conditions, holidays are often marked by a noticeable cooling.
Properties of baptismal water
The amazing qualities of the water collected on this holiday are mentioned even in the sermon of John Chrysostom for the year 387. Collected on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, it remains fresh for 1-3 years. The power of faith and church rituals energize the fluid. Its unusual properties are used in various ceremonies and fortune-telling. This substance is especially popular when removing evil eyes and damage.
Features of the water collected in January for Epiphany:
- enhances immunity;
- acquires disinfecting properties;
- the analysis shows bioactivity;
- normalizes the activity of the endocrine and nervous systems;
- cleanses the skin from various defects;
- does not deteriorate for a long time.
Despite the many positive properties, it is recommended to drink Epiphany water, although daily, but in limited quantities. Just a couple of sips on an empty stomach are enough.
What can you eat at the Baptism of the Lord?
On Epiphany Christmas Eve, January 18, it is recommended to do without noisy feasts. It is advisable to observe a strict fast during the day. An evening meal may include the following:
- kutia;
- uzvar;
- lean borscht;
- baked fish;
- buckwheat porridge;
- cabbage rolls;
- vegetable dishes;
- sweet dumplings;
- pancakes;
- buns;
- cookies.
Directly on the holiday of January 19, no fasting can be observed, there are no special dietary restrictions. At the same time, food should not distract from the essence of the event, interfere with spiritual cleansing. The meal should be started with a prayer and a couple of sips of holy water. Then you can eat a couple of spoons of kutya, the rest of the dishes can be anything.
For a long time, the people have kept the tradition of baking a pig for the festive table.
According to ancient traditions and customs, special attention has always been paid to kutye. Each ingredient had a symbolic meaning. Porridge itself is a sign of wealth and prosperity.Honey was added for a sweet life, raisins for abundance, poppy scared away evil spirits, and nuts were supposed to help solve everyday problems.
Are children baptized on this day?
There are no prohibitions on this matter, as well as if you want to get married or have a wedding. The problem can arise only because the father is busy. In any case, it is necessary to agree in advance about holding the sacrament on one of the main church holidays. The clergy will be very busy on the night of January 18-19. Further services and other events can be scheduled.
Do not despair if a baby is denied baptism in one of the churches. It is quite possible that the father of another church will agree to conduct the sacrament.
What cannot be done at Epiphany?
There are several undesirable activities on this holiday. Believers believe that any of them is capable of causing trouble not only on the person himself, but on the whole family. For this reason, church prohibitions are taken quite seriously.
What can not be done on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord:
- quarrel;
- use obscene language;
- think badly of others;
- get angry;
- shout;
- store blessed water in large quantities;
- clean up the home;
- engage in hard physical labor;
- trim hair or nails;
- sew, knit;
- lend or borrow money;
- overeat;
- get drunk to unconsciousness.
All fortune-telling and rituals are prohibited after the end of the Liturgy on January 19. Church ministers do not recommend doing this at all, and especially on the holiday itself.
Fortune-telling and signs for Baptism
In an attempt to predict the future or direct their fate in the right direction, they often resort to fortune telling, making a cherished desire and interpreting popular signs. At the same time, the church strongly discourages doing this. The holiday is intended to purify, orient a person's thoughts to faith, the upper light and good, and such things can lead to negative consequences.
On the Baptism of the Lord, the most popular signs are:
- They got married on this day - happiness in family life is guaranteed.
- For a girl to jump into the ice-hole after a man - to good luck in love.
- Leaving shoes outside the door on the night of January 18-19 is a sign of illness.
- Suddenly hearing the barking of dogs - to material well-being.
- A clear month on Epiphany night - for the spring flood, bright stars - for early spring and dry summer.
- Windy and frosty weather on January 19 - a bad harvest.
There were a great many fortune-telling in the old days. It was possible to use the means at hand, perform special rituals, make wishes.
Fortune telling on rings
Various rings - copper, silver, gold, with a precious stone - were folded and mixed into a bag with cereals. The number of jewelry was supposed to exceed the number of girls participating in fortune-telling at least 2 times. Each went up to the bag and picked up a handful of cereals. Next, we considered which ring it turned out to be pulled out:
- copper - will marry a poor man;
- silver - to a good groom from a wealthy family;
- gold - to a well-to-do, prosperous family;
- with a precious stone - a publicly known person will become a husband;
- no ring - this year there will be no wedding;
- several at once - the groom will not be alone, it is important to make the right choice.
Divination by sleep
On Epiphany Eve, it is recommended to go to bed with the words: "Saint Samson, show a festive dream." Further, it is advisable to think about what exactly you want to know. You should try to remember the whole dream exactly in order to get as much information as possible about the future.
Divination by desire
Prepare 12 little notes with your innermost dreams by rolling them up or folding them using origami technique. Then put in a jar, bag or box, put on the night of January 18 next to the bed. On the morning of the 19th, mix the pieces of paper and pull out any three. The wishes written on them will come true in the coming year.
The Baptism of the Lord is celebrated in both the Orthodox and Catholic churches.In 2020, the holiday falls, as always, on January 19, and for Catholics - on January 12. One of the most popular traditions is ice-hole swimming. It is also recommended to stock up on holy water that day. Fortune-telling is not welcomed by the ministers of the church, but according to popular beliefs, it is more truthful and informative than ever.
