{"id":32484,"date":"2024-01-06T12:51:24","date_gmt":"2024-01-06T11:51:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/?p=32484"},"modified":"2024-01-11T12:59:38","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T11:59:38","slug":"icebathing-baptism-of-jesus-batumi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/icebathing-baptism-of-jesus-batumi\/","title":{"rendered":"Ice bathing \u2013 Jumping into cold water and the baptism of Jesus in Batumi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Every year on the day of <a href=\"https:\/\/de.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taufe_Jesu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jesus&#8217; baptism<\/a>, thousands of Orthodox Christians gather at lakes and rivers throughout Eastern Europe for ice bathing &#8211; a popular tradition that is not part of the official sacraments of the Orthodox churches, but is actively practiced. It is believed that the water is holy on that day and that anyone who jumps into the water will have their sins forgiven. The tradition has only really spread in recent decades, as the Soviet Union generally regarded the church and religion as the enemy or, in the words of Karl Marx, as &#8220;opium for the people&#8221;.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ice bathing\" class=\"wp-image-32446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden.jpg 1278w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is me ice bathing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>Every year, certain places are designated in Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian cities that are suitable for ice bathing. Water rescuers, doctors and police are always present on site, as this is an event that is not without danger. Time and again there are fatalities, especially in places where, despite recommendations, people organize their own ice bathing at their own risk. And of course you can only go into the water sober. The deaths are isolated cases, but they could have been avoided.    <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Tee-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Ice bathing\" class=\"wp-image-32456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Tee-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Tee-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Tee-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Tee.jpg 799w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>At the so-called Sochelnik (evening of the January 18), everything has to be ready to go: The baptismal pool is drilled, the water quality is tested and changing rooms are set up. The church service takes place around 10 p.m. and the party can start immediately afterwards. Depending on the location, anyone who wants to can usually dive into the ice cold holy water until the evening of the January 19th. You go under water three times and cross yourself. Afterwards you get a cup of hot tea.      <\/p>\n\n<div id=\"120139-1\"><script src=\"\/\/ads.themoneytizer.com\/s\/gen.js?type=1\"><\/script><script src=\"\/\/ads.themoneytizer.com\/s\/requestform.js?siteId=120139&#038;formatId=1\"><\/script><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ice bathing in other parts of Europe<\/h2>\n\n<p>The tradition is also practiced by the Orthodox in other parts of Europe \u2013 the St. Georg monastery in G\u00f6tschendorf in Brandenburg offers annual bus trips from Berlin for all Orthodox who want to attend the service on the feast day and then go into the water. Even in Kazakhstan (a country dominated by islam), many people dive into the water on January 19th \u2013 despite warnings from imams that after ice bathing you are considered a baptized person. In Orthodox Armenia, however, this tradition is hardly practiced.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Bogojavljenje u Zaje\u010daru 2023 \u2013 Plivanje za \u010casni krst\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5JSfDStC2-8?start=90&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ice bathing in Serbia<\/h2>\n\n<p>The approach in the Balkans is different. For 26 years, people (previously only men, but recently women have also been allowed to take part) have been gathering at the rivers and have to swim 33 meters \u2013 corresponding to the number of years of Jesus\u2019 life \u2013 in the ice-cold water to a cross. The first person to touch the cross picks it up and brings it to the shore. The winner gets to keep the cross until the next baptism and is protected by God for the whole year \u2013 at least that\u2019s what the Serbs believe.    <\/p>\n\n<div id=\"120139-1\"><script src=\"\/\/ads.themoneytizer.com\/s\/gen.js?type=1\"><\/script><script src=\"\/\/ads.themoneytizer.com\/s\/requestform.js?siteId=120139&#038;formatId=1\"><\/script><\/div>\n\n<p>The fastest swimmer in Od\u017eaci in 2023 was Anja Jovovi\u0107, a 20-year-old policewoman from the neighboring town of Ratkovo. Her 11-year-old brother Luka was the first to make it to the cross in 2019. Luka was the youngest swimmer at the time and died in 2022. When Anja came out of the water with the cross, she put on a T-shirt with a picture of her brother and the signature &#8220;\u017divi\u0161!&#8221; (Serbian \u2013 you are alive!).   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ice bathing in Bulgaria<\/h2>\n\n<p>In Bulgaria, people bathe on January 7th, the so-called &#8220;Ivanovden&#8221; (John the Baptist Day). According to Bulgarian tradition, newlyweds in particular have to go into the water. The task of checking this is the responsibility of the godparents, who are supposed to push the couple into the water. They also bake a special bread on the occasion of Ivanovden.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Meer-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Ice bathing\" class=\"wp-image-32452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Meer-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Meer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Meer-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Meer.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ice bathing in Batumi, Georgia<\/h2>\n\n<p>Since 2004, the festive winter bathing has also been held in Batumi, Georgia. As the city is located in the subtropics, snow and ice can only be found in the mountains. On the other hand, the Black Sea is warm and does not freeze. Here I came across the most beautiful christening tradition I have ever experienced. Shortly before midnight, the faithful gather in front of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and walk together with the priests through the city to the sea.    <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Kirche-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Ice bathing\" class=\"wp-image-32448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Kirche-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Kirche-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Kirche-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Kirche.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>The neo-Gothic cathedral, built at the beginning of the 20th century, does not look like a classic Orthodox church \u2013 it was used as a Catholic place of worship until the beginning of the Soviet era. Under the Soviets, there were several attempts to destroy the cathedral, which led to protests in the city. The building remained, but was used for other purposes, including as an archive. It has served as an Orthodox cathedral since 1989 and is also the largest religious building in Batumi.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Taufe-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Ice bathing\" class=\"wp-image-32454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Taufe-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Taufe-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Taufe-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Taufe.jpg 799w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>After all the participants have gathered on the beach and lit the candles, they pray \u2013 in Georgian. After the prayer, the priests go into the water first and then everyone else is allowed in. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Lagerfeuer-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Ice bathing\" class=\"wp-image-32450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Lagerfeuer-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Lagerfeuer-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Lagerfeuer-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Eisbaden_Lagerfeuer.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p>The water in the Black Sea is warmer than in most other places where people bathe on the day of Jesus\u2019 baptism. But the point is not that you have to freeze. Several campfires are also lit on the beach, which contributes to an already cozy and nice atmosphere.  <\/p>\n\n<p><strong><em>How did you like our article about ice bathing on the day of Jesus\u2019 baptism among the Orthodox? What other traditions would you like us to report on? Let us know and write us a comment!  <\/em><\/strong> <strong><em>And here you can find my articles about the <a href=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/augustow-canal-suwalki-lake-district\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"32207\">August\u00f3w Canal<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/russian-rock-music\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"26360\">Russian rock music<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every year on the day of Jesus&#8217; baptism, thousands of Orthodox Christians gather at lakes and rivers throughout Eastern Europe for ice bathing &#8211; a popular tradition that is not part of the official sacraments of the Orthodox churches, but is actively practiced. It is believed that the water is holy on that day and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":32681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_metis_text_type":"standard","_metis_text_length":5253,"_post_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[306],"tags":[],"autoren":[361],"regionen":[334],"reiselaender":[252],"class_list":["post-32484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","autoren-yuri-borovskikh","regionen-crossregional","reiselaender-georgia"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32484","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32484"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32484\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32691,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32484\/revisions\/32691"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32484"},{"taxonomy":"autoren","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/autoren?post=32484"},{"taxonomy":"regionen","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/regionen?post=32484"},{"taxonomy":"reiselaender","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildeast.blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reiselaender?post=32484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}