Moscow, (Europe Brief News), Russian Orthodox Christians dipped into freezing waters to mark the eve of Epiphany, ending their 12-day Christmas period.
Most people take the plunge at midnight or on the day of the feast itself, which falls on January 19.
The January 19 event symbolizes the baptism of Christ and the cleansing of the soul at the start of a new year.
Social media users have widely shared footage showing men, women, and children taking three dips in icy water and crossing themselves in a pond near the wooden Nicholas Church.
Authorities prepared more than 3,000 specially equipped swimming spots for the celebration all over Russia.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, the safety of believers during the Orthodox Epiphany bathing throughout the country was provided by more than 13,000 rescuers and more than 2,400 units of special equipment.
The Russian Orthodox Church recommended that Russians refrain from the Epiphany dip. Orthodox believers were urged to be careful and avoid crowds of people.
The annual Epiphany plunge is a long-lasting tradition. Thousands of believers across Russia taking the icy dip to celebrate the baptism of Jesus.
Here’s a round-up of how Europeans celebrate Christmas differently.
1. Iceland’s festive traditions and why they’ve stood the test of time
Icelandic children start receiving their presents on December 11. Naughty ones get something unpleasant in their footwear by a band of mischievous tricksters.
2. Spain’s festivities can be boisterous, banging and, at times, bizarre
While most countries decorate their cities with a depiction of Father Christmas or a nativity scene, in Spain, one of the ubiquitous sights adorning squares is that of a defecating shepherd. Santa is also not necessarily the gifter-in chief in some parts. But goal mongers by the names of Olentzero and Apalpador.
3. What are Italy’s festive traditions and are they under threat?
In such a land of food and with stark geographic and climatic differences between the north and south, there is no single Christmas menu. Northern Italians, who are more likely to huddle around a fireplace favour hearty, meaty meals while in the south, where Christmas dinner can be enjoyed al fresco, fish is more de rigueur.
4. Carp in your bathtub and other Czech traditions
The Christmas meal features a carp and tradition dictate that you keep it in the bathtub until December 24. Nowadays, however, carp sellers lining the streets in the run-up to the holiday, prepare it for the more squeamish.
