Epiphany of the Lord is the last holiday of the Christmas cycle. On this day, believers celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, which Jesus Christ performed at the age of 30 on the Jordan River.. Therefore, water on the holiday is considered sacred; it can cleanse the body and soul from illnesses or sins, which is why Ukrainians like to swim in the ice hole on this day. The focus talks about the traditions and customs of Baptism.

For many years it was celebrated on January 19. However, on September 1, 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church finally switched to a new calendar and determined other dates for the usual dates. Therefore, according to the new style, Orthodox Christians now celebrate it on January 6.

The celebration of Epiphany begins the day before - January 5th - with the blessing of water in rivers, lakes and ponds. Nowadays, during services, she is also sanctified in a special metal bowl (agiasmatariy).

Traditions also include carving a cross out of ice.. It was placed near an ice hole and could be doused with red beet kvass or viburnum juice and decorated with Christmas tree branches.

Often on this day the severest frosts with wind and blizzard raged. People believed that an evil spirit was angry because he was being driven out of the water and was sending a blizzard so that people could not go to the river.

The tradition for Epiphany 2025 was the blessing of water by a priest. To do this, he read a prayer and immersed a silver cross in it three times.. During this process, the guys released several pairs of doves into the air, which symbolized the Spirit of God. Sometimes three wax candles were lowered into the hole, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. After the service they were kept at home under icons so that the “trinity” would help from problems and fears.

During the service, believers took various containers to collect blessed water and bring it home. People believe that blessed water at Epiphany has healing properties that cures ailments. Therefore, it is stored all year round and does not spoil..

One of the traditions is the sprinkling of holy water at home, garden and beehives.. For this they used the so-called “sprinkled” rye ears.. Sometimes during the process a loaf of bread was carried under the arm so that the year would be rich in harvest. On the doors of the rooms and on the gates, which the owner had already sprinkled, a cross was drawn with chalk or charcoal - it was supposed to protect the home from evil spirits, misfortunes and diseases.

It is a tradition to attend divine services on this day, where they pray to the Lord. After this, they prepare festive dishes and spend time with family.

Also among the traditions for Epiphany 2025 is the burning of Didukh, that is, a Christmas attribute made from spikelets. It is considered a symbol of Ukrainian Christmas, which brings harmony to the home. This ritual symbolizes the end of the winter cycle and preparation for the new one..

Among the traditions for Epiphany is the preparation of the Holy Supper. During this time people usually adhere to strict fasting. On this day you should not consume animal products, in particular meat, eggs and milk.. The fast lasts a day and ends at the first dawn.

The Holy Supper is known for the fact that only Lenten dishes are on the table.. Among them should be kutia, dumplings, cabbage rolls, borscht, porridge, fish and uzvar. Together with the main dish of the table - hungry kutya - the hostess should have had 12 meatless dishes. However, in some regions of Ukraine the number of dishes on this holiday was odd.

One of the traditions for the holiday is proper congratulations. Greetings at Epiphany 2025 with the words “Christ was baptized”! \! \! These words carry the message of the baptism of the 30-year-old Jesus Christ and symbolize renewal and cleansing.

In addition to traditions and customs, there is a list of what should not be done on this holiday. In particular, prohibitions include doing manual labor, cleaning, sewing, knitting and washing.. Also, you should not borrow money, swear, quarrel, conflict, gossip and wish harm to others, do not drink alcohol before and after Epiphany bathing and draw water for consecration with bad thoughts - it may lose its power.

Among the Epiphany traditions on this day is to go to church and pray to God. Focus wrote a version of the prayer for Epiphany.

Please note that on Sunday, January 5, the weather will remain cloudy and clear throughout the country.. The next day, on Epiphany, no precipitation is expected only in the east and south of Ukraine. The meteorological center predicts light sleet and rain in the north, west and center of the country.