Young girls loved to tell fortunes about their betrothed on Epiphany night, although it was still considered a sin. The morning was always greeted with prayer. During the time before dawn, according to legend, even the most incredible and secret desires and requests were sure to come true if you wished for it from the bottom of your heart after prayer.
But the main tradition is, of course, the blessing of water. It is held annually on the day of the Epiphany in churches and on reservoirs, and all Orthodox Christians wait for it.
First, the water is blessed on January 18, that is, on the eve of the holiday. On January 19, the blessing ritual is performed again during the Divine Liturgy. It is believed that Epiphany water can heal the soul and body, rid one of illnesses and bad addictions. Moreover, it is suitable for consumption throughout the year.
Holy water can be given to drink to those who cannot be taiwan mobile database admitted to Holy Communion. It can be taken internally during illness, wet a towel with it and applied to sore spots on the body, sprinkled on premises and transport.
In 387, John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople, wrote about the unusual properties of holy water: “Christ was baptized and sanctified the nature of water, and therefore on the feast of the Epiphany, everyone, having drawn water at midnight, brings it home and keeps it all year. And so the water in its essence does not spoil with the passage of time, drawn now, for a whole year, and often two or three years, remains fresh and undamaged…”
It is also worth keeping in mind that it is not necessary to collect entire two-liter bottles of holy water in the church: even one drop of holy water will sanctify all the rest of the water collected in any container.
There are also some prohibitions on the use of Epiphany water. Thus, it is believed that it is forbidden to use it in everyday life. For example, you cannot wash floors, dishes, or wipe surfaces with holy water. Of course, you cannot do laundry in it.
As for storage, it is best to put it in a secluded place, ideally located next to or not far from the icons.
How to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and is it necessary to plunge into the font
First of all, on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, divine services are held. This day is an important Christian event, and therefore believers certainly go to church for services.
You need to come to the temple with an empty container and collect water there.
If it is snowy outside on the day of Epiphany, you can rub your face and hands with snow. It is believed that this will add health and attractiveness to the body. Even snow, according to beliefs, becomes healing.
It is very important to air out your home well. This way the room is cleared of negativity, and happiness, on the contrary, comes to the house. If there is frosty weather on the Epiphany holiday, it is even better, you do not need to be afraid of the cold when airing.