Bulgarians Celebrate Epiphany on January 6

Bistra Roushkova, Valentin Evstatiev

A volunteer recovers the cross from the pond in Sofia's Druzhba housing estate during the Yordanovden (Epiphany) ritual, January 6, 2024 (BTA Photo/Vladimir Shokov)

Sofia,

06.01.2025 07:38

(BTA)

On January 6, Bulgarians observe Epiphany, the Christian holiday commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ. It is also an annual occasion to bless the colours of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

Epiphany is locally known as "Yordanovden" (the Day of the Jordan River). As a celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, it gave rise to a water blessing ritual with the power to purify and bring good health. The feast is also known as Bogoyavlenie ("Manifestation of God") 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.

On this day local priests perform the Great Blessing of Waters following a divine liturgy at the church and heading a procession of the people with the cross to the nearest body of water outdoors, ideally one of "living water". The priest then blesses the water by casting the cross in it and any number of volunteers may try to recover the cross. The person who gets the cross first returns it to the priest, who then delivers a special blessing to the swimmer and their household. Recovering the cross is considered a sign of good luck and health.

The celebration of the custom in Kalofer (Central Bulgaria) has become particularly attractive. The event enjoys immense popularity, drawing spectators from all over the country.

The Bulgarian military hold ceremonies for blessing of the colours on January 6.

This is the nameday of people whose given name is Yordan, Yordanka, Dancho, Boyan, Bogdan, Bogdana, Bogolyub, Bogolyuba, Bozhan, Bozhana and Dana, among others.

/VE/