Bulgarian horo in the cold waters of the Tundzha River in Kalofer as part of the Epiphany Day.

in #photography7 years ago

On 6 January the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany holiday. The holiday is known also as Jordan-day because, according to biblical legend on this day Jesus Christ was baptized in the River of Jordan by John the Baptist.

7ieavfb97h801.jpg

At this day the water is consecrated. After the church service the priest throws a cross into the river (or the sea/lake/etc.) and group of young men jump into the river to find it. It is believed that one who find it will be healthy and happy.

In some Bulgarian villages, men dipped into a local river and danced the horo, a traditional dance, despite the freezing temperatures.

In the mountain village of Kalofer, in central Bulgaria, scores of men in traditional dress waded into the icy Tundzha River carrying national flags.

26220656_1852494118102914_8728555599172760949_o.jpg

Led by a drummer and several men playing the bagpipes, they danced in the freezing waters, pushing away floating chunks of ice.

Some sipped Slivovitz - Eastern European plum brandy - and red wine as an antidote to the freezing weather.

The tradition of jumping in the water for Epiphany is not exclusive to Bulgaria, with several other countries with strong ties to the Orthodox Church getting in the sea.

Sort:  

Congratulations @goofy1104! You received a personal award!

1 Year on Steemit

Click here to view your Board

Do not miss the last post from @steemitboard:

SteemWhales has officially moved to SteemitBoard Ranking
SteemitBoard - Witness Update

Support SteemitBoard's project! Vote for its witness and get one more award!

Congratulations @goofy1104! You received a personal award!

Happy Birthday! - You are on the Steem blockchain for 2 years!

You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking

Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!

Coin Marketplace

STEEM 0.18
TRX 0.16
JST 0.029
BTC 76124.19
ETH 3032.07
USDT 1.00
SBD 2.62