January 19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the great holiday - Epiphany. What are the traditions of this day, that it is necessary to do, and that is strictly prohibited?
Epiphanycompletes a series of winter holidays and Christmas time, which lasts from 7 to 19 January. Holiday begins Jan. 18, in the Epiphany Eve, when there is the first consecration of the water. Baptism is called the feast of Theophany, as in baptism the Lord, the world was the Most Holy Trinity.
What should be done on Epiphany
On Baptism, should go to church, pray and bless the water, as well as congratulate all of their friends and relatives with a baptism.
Water, consecrated in the day, has a truly magical properties: it cleans from disease and from evil thoughts.
Be sure to enter the holy water and store it at home all year. Religious people, every morning after prayers, drink a teaspoon of holy water on an empty stomach.
On Epiphany people dip into the hole, but it should be done after visiting the churches and communions. The people said that on Epiphany dip sick people to be healed and those who wore masks in the New Year to get rid of sin.
On this day, the whole family gathers for the holiday table, and, according to tradition, the first meal try the one who plunged into the last hole.
On Baptism there is a beautiful ritual of discharging pigeons. White doves symbolized the end of the holiday, which should be released into the wild.
What not to do on Epiphany
In this big celebration it is forbidden to quarrel and swear, angry at family and friends.
Vospreschon any physical labor, all the chores and crafts (sewing, knitting, embroidery).
After Baptism prohibited wonder our ancestors believed they could "peregadat" their fate in a bad way. Yule divination have been completed on 19 January.
On this day, the hostess house necessarily consecrated holy water, air, and sprinkled salt on the corners to protect the house from evil spirits.
The holiday can not gossip, backbite, make others meanness, otherwise it will turn against you with a triple force.
Folk omens on January 19
If the Baptism of the Lord to make a marriage proposal - the family will be very strong and happy and live a whole life in perfect harmony.
Epiphany snow also has a special power, in the old days they wash and wiped children to grow up strong and healthy.
If the weather is clear Baptism and cold - the summer will be dry, and if it is cloudy - that will be a good harvest.
If this holiday baptize the child, then he will be very happy and will carry a piece of God's grace.
Also be sure to ask about that it is necessary to do in the Epiphany Eve
Picture text: istockphoto.com
