SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) – Thousands of Orthodox Christian worshipers in Bulgaria on Wednesday ignored the health warnings issued by health authorities to refrain from the mass rallies caused by the coronavirus pandemic at their centuries-old Epiphany. traditions.
Young men plunged into the icy waters of rivers and lakes across Bulgaria to pick up crucifixes hurled by priests during ceremonies commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Legend has it that the person who takes the wooden cross will be freed from evil spirits and will be healthy all year round. After the cross is fished, the priest sprinkles believers with water with a bunch of basil.
In the small mountain town of Kalofer in central Bulgaria, dozens of men dressed in traditional white embroidered shirts waved the Tundzha River in the icy river, with national flags and folk songs. Inspired by bass drums and bagpipes and enhanced by homemade drinks, they performed a slow ‘mazhko horo’, or men’s dance, on the rocky riverbed.
The mayor of Kalofer, who usually leads the dance, did not enter the river this year to set an example that coronavirus regulations should be followed.
A few local police officers tried to prevent people from entering the river and threatened them with fines, but their calls were generally ignored.
Epiphany marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas, but not all Orthodox Christian churches celebrate it on the same day.
While the Orthodox Christian Churches in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania celebrate the festival on January 6, Orthodox Churches in Russia, Ukraine and Serbia follow the Julian calendar, according to which Epiphany is celebrated on January 19, as their Christmas falls on January 7.
Some Western Christian churches celebrate the religious holiday of Epiphany as the Three Kings Day, which marks the visit of the Magi, or three wise men, to the baby Jesus and closes the Christmas season.
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