UKRAINE
Each year on the 19th of January, brave Eastern Orthodox Christians from Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries participate in a folk ritual for Epiphany by plunging themselves into frigid ice holes to honor Jesus Christ’s baptism. Participants begin by submerging their head three times while they say the prayer, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Many believe that on this day the water contains sacred holy properties. The tradition gained popularity after the collapse of the USSR. However, the ritual does not appear in the bible and according to officials of the Russian Orthodox Church the act is considered a non-church custom. Despite the criticism from the church, hundreds of thousands dip themselves and the tradition continues to grow year by year. In Kyiv, many gather at the Dneiper River to honor Jesus Christ’s baptism. Snacks and hot refreshments are served as the temperature is usually far below freezing. Being that conditions are harsh, participants show colorful expressions on their faces which adds to the excitement of the ritual.
