Epiphany in Bulgaria

When the cross is removed, the chorus begins.Epiphany is one of the most revered holidays in Bulgaria. It is believed that on this day the Lord Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Forerunner. Therefore, on this day, people with the names Jordan, Jordan, Bogdan, Bogdan celebrate their names.

The holiday is closely associated with water and swimming in cold water. After the service in the temple, the priests at the head of the crowd go to the nearest river or reservoir, where it is planned to throw a cross into the water. This spectacular spectacle gathers not only believers, but also crowds of onlookers. Remove the cross from the water is usually prepared by young men. It is believed that the person who first removes the cross thrown by the priest from the water, all year long for success and health. It is believed that if the cross freezes in water, the crop will be born to glory.

Girls also take part in this holiday in their own way. Even before sunrise, they go to the well or to the stream to pour themselves “baptized” water. At the creek, they wash the home icon and their faces.

In the Rhodopes there is also a tradition on this day to throw the newlyweds into the water (those who were married in the past year), so that they are charged for the whole year with health. Throwing into the water is done by special people - "haskars". If there is no river nearby, then the rite is performed at the spring or at the well.

In the people, the feasts of Epiphany and Ivanov Day are called “Water” because of the connection with water.

This day also marks the birthday of the great son of the Bulgarian people, Christo Botev, whose short but bright life played a huge role not only in the struggle of the Bulgarian people for freedom, but also in Bulgarian literature, history and culture.