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Added on the 06/01/2015 22:47:42 - Copyright : Reuters EN
A German tourist braved freezing conditions in Oymyakon, one of the coldest inhabited settlements in the world, on Thursday, as he took an icy dip into the river while air temperatures stood at -50° Celsius (-58° Fahrenheit). Ice-dipping is a long-held tradition among Orthodox Christians, for Epiphany Day, which is observed on January 19th in the Orthodox calender. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ and is said to cleanse and purify the plunger.
Dozens of men from Kalofer waded into the icy waters of the Tundzha river and danced the Hora in a traditional male-only event to celebrate the Christian holiday of Epiphany, on Friday. The men dressed in national costume and dived into the freezing waters to find a crucifix thrown in by the priest before handing it to the youngest participant of the dance. The participants then danced and sang traditional Bulgarian songs to the sound of bagpipes and drums played by other men who ventured into the water. Locals believe the tradition will keep them healthy for the coming year. Many of them drunk litres of red wine to help them withstand the sub-zero temperatures. Are you brave enough to take a swim in sub-zero waters for your faith?
Thousands of men jump into icy cold rivers and lakes in a bizarre tradition of celebrating the Christian Orthodox feast of Epiphany.
Celebrations on the River Seine as the Olympic Torch is unveiled with Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet and legend Usain Bolt, with one year to go to the Summer Games. IMAGES
Jericho (West Bank), Jan 19 (EFE/EPA), (Camera: Atef Safadi).- Orthodox worshippers celebrated Epiphany Day on Tuesday by participating in a ceremony on the Jordan River near the West Bank city of Jericho, at the place where Jesus Christ is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist. Only a limited number were able to attend the ceremony due to an increase in coronavirus cases.FOOTAGE OF THE CEREMONY
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