site.btaBulgarians Observe Epiphany Custom with Water Blessing and Races for the Cross

On January 6, Bulgarians observe Epiphany, locally known as "Yordanovden" [the Day of the River Jordan], which is a popular festival with water blessing and cross-fishing rituals held across the country. Christians celebrate on this day the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, which gives the origin of the water blessing ritual and its power to purify and bring good health.

The festival has different names in the different parts of the country: Voditsi (a derivative of the Bulgarian for water voda), Bogoyavlenie ("Manifestation of God" in Bulgarian) and Krashtenie Gospodne (Baptism of the Lord), for Orthodox Christians regard the baptism of Jesus as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God.

The Epiphany tradition is a sort of initiation rite: a priest throws a cross into a water body and men jump in, racing to retrieve it so as to secure good health and prosperity.

The central Bulgarian town of Kalofer follows this tradition with a difference that, locals say, is unique to their town: the cross is thrown while a river dance is underway, and whoever fishes it out hands it to the youngest participant. The event enjoys immense popularity, drawing spectators from all over the country. Accommodation facilities within tens of miles from Kalofer are usually booked solid for the occasion months earlier.

In the Rhodope region, men give a ritual bath to newborns and newlyweds.

In some villages in the Southwest of the country, the one to retrieve the cross is designated in advance - he is named best man of the village and people give him gifts. On Epiphany he goes round the village and sprinkles people's homes with holy water.

Meat is excluded from the Epiphany menu and the traditional fares includes ritual bread, sauerkraut leaves stuffed with rice, stuffed dried peppers, boiled wheat and wine.