— SACRED TIME —

Theophany — Baptism of the Lord

January 19 · Orthodox Christianity · Monotheisms

Fixed date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Great blessing of the waters: the entire watery substance of the world is sanctified on the day the Jordan turns back.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Immersion in ice-cold water after the blessing
·Collecting holy water to be kept all year
·Sprinkling of the home

Traditional foods

·Kutia (wheat, honey, poppy seeds)
·Fasting on the eve

Offerings

·Cross dipped in water

Taboos to respect

·Do not use blessed water for profane purposes

Associated symbols

Cross in the water · Dove · River