ellie925
There’s a crazy holiday today. Some brave men here jump into the cold winter water of the sea or river to catch a cross, which is thrown by the priest. It’s believed that the man who catches it, will be in a good health during the whole year.
The holiday is Epiphany, or like it’s also called Yordanovden (Jordan’s Day). It’s celebrated in honour of the River Jordan and Jesus’ baptism.
It’s also a name day for the people who are named after the river. Everyone who has a name like Yordan or Yordanka (the female version) celebrates by receiving gifts.
An interesting tradition here is that people who have a name day don’t have to invite guests; people can go to their houses without an invitation and the host has to treat them. But nowadays people just invite their guests at home or somewhere out, so there aren’t any surprises.
What crazy holidays do you have in your country?
Photos: Pixabay
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I’ve heard of this tradition. I don’t mind watching other people do it! But me jump freezing cold water? Not happening! I have to be thrown in. LOL.
Haha, I understand you completely. The water is cold for me even in summer. 😀
Thank you once again!
So cool & very healthy!!! We have the similar Russian tradition – winter ice swimming – but it’s too cold for me, brrr!!!
Oh, I wouldn’t dare to do it!
We also have this tradition with us … On January 1st, people jump into the sea and some rivers …. crazy ?
I agree! Do only men do it or everyone?
Interesting but no, thanks, I will not swim in fridge-cold winter water even to catch a million dollars ???
Haha, I understand you perfectly!
That got me shivering., Latvia is the country where a traditional holiday is the Midsummer Nights Celebration called Ligo Vakars and the next day Johns Day or Jani. On the eve before Ligo people attempt to jump over their bonfires. Need I say more. The traditional drink is beer,
Another interesting tradition!
In some areas in Bulgaria, people dance barefoot on smouldering embers. Maybe I should write a post about it.
Yes, do a post on that Ellie.
That was fascinating but chilly to think about!
Hehe, thank you so much!
Amazing unique tradition! As long as it is not me, I will drown because it freezes cold
Thank you! It’s a crazy tradition indeed!
What an interesting tradition! I am surprised if some men don’t get a heart attack from the shock of the cold water!!
I guess they drink a lot beforehand to warm up themselves, haha.
In the US, minus the cross, they call this a Polar Bear dive, jump or swim. Way to cold for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, it sounds crazy! It seems that there are similar traditions in many countries.
I have never heard of this. So only men do this? I don’t think I could do it. too cold for me. Fun tradition it seems though. Happy Holiday.
Thank you! Yes, it’s unbelieveble for me too. Luckily, women don’t have to do it, haha.
True, leave it to the guys! : D
This tradition is also in my country! Great!
Yes, our cultures are very similar! Have you ever dived into the cold water?
Thanks thats really neat. Great tradition.
Thank you so much, Pamela!
Interesting tradition you have shared.
Thank you, Carol! Glad to hear that! 🙂
Happy holiday. This is a very nice custom.
Thank you so much, happy holiday to you too! 🙂