Can I bathe in Baptism? Bathing on Epiphany

Interesting questions sometimes arise in the head. For example, everyone knows that the Baptism of the Lord is a great holiday. It is celebrated annually on January 19. It is also known that on this day you need to plunge into the pond, as did Christ. But is it possible to bathe in Baptism? It means - in the bath or in the shower. What should I do and what is this issue related to? Let's see how the wind blows.

A little about the holiday itself

To find out whether it is possible to bathe in baptism, the study of the history of Christianity will help . After all, you do not want a simple answer? He does not make anything clear. When the answer is "yes" or "no", the crux of the problem remains unsolved. You will say that you need to believe, and therefore follow what the priests say. But they can sometimes make mistakes, like all other people. Therefore, we approach our problem on the other hand. Let's see how significant this day is, then it becomes clear whether it is possible to wash. In Baptism, as is known, there was an event, which believers have already been honoring for two thousand years, mark as a great triumph. To the Christ (man) bathing in the waters of the Jordan, the Lord turned. He recognized him as his son. The Holy Spirit also flew to him in the form of a dove. This, as is commonly believed, was the first manifestation of the Lord in three ways. Now, let's repeat, this event is celebrated by believers as a holiday, which takes place on January 18-19. "The Baptism of the Lord" - so it is called. From this legend it is important to understand that the event is associated with water. As you know, it is she who plays a big role in the rite of human baptism . It turns out that water acquires a divine essence at the time of celebration.

Where did the question originate from?

Now we come to the point. They argue whether it is possible to wash in Baptism, people who were inspired by the idea of the special role of water in the celebration. That is, they assume that it can not be used as usual. Such behavior can offend the Lord. Clergymen are often asked about this. How to combine the divinity of water and ordinary affairs? That is, is it not a sinful washing or cleaning, or is it possible to bathe in Baptism? Faith is so deep in these people that they fear an unwitting mistake to discredit the sanctity of the Epiphany. Probably, such reasoning is commendable. There is nothing wrong with respect for the shrines of religion, whether they are material or spiritual. However, how can you offend the Lord by caring for his gifts? We came to a different aspect of reasoning, as well as the arguments of clergymen. Consider them.

Everything from the Lord

Asking how to behave on the day when Baptism is celebrated, the Orthodox community misses one subtleties, which, of course, father will explain. The fact is that the sanctity of the waters is not the reason for the restriction in their use. Judge for yourself, the Lord has given us land, forests, seas and so on. He created the world, and ourselves including. The body, if approached from this point of view, is as holy as water. So what prevents to keep it clean? Celebrations? But this is some twitching. No rituals or prayers should not be carried out by the plague or foul-smelling. On the contrary, it is necessary to prepare for the celebration, namely, to wash, dress, and the like. You are going to a meeting with the Lord. It turns out that there are no bans on the bathhouse on the day of Baptism. If the hygienic norms oblige, then you are welcome to the bathhouse or to the bathroom. To feel comfortable and easy, but not to shy away from people on pain of accusations of slovenliness.

Are there restrictions on household chores?

They say that the Lord does not order work on big church holidays . This rule is now spread literally on everything. And if you take into account that household concerns, as a rule, are connected with water, they try to postpone them for days after Baptism. However, it should be noted that such self-restraint is a vain effort. This is too much. The Lord and the truth bequeathed in the days of celebration did not work. But he talked about the hard work of a grain-grower, and not about the domestic affairs of the housewives. The special condition of water is not an obstacle to its use when washing or cleaning. That is, there are no religious prohibitions.

Wash dishes or floors if necessary. And if the prayer for Baptism is uttered at the same time, then the Lord will certainly forgive! Of course, this is a joke. No sin in the pursuit of order and accuracy is not!

And what do they do for baptism?

If there are no questions about the bath, then you can ask why this value has an ice hole. At baptism it is customary to dive into icy water. Good for those who live in the southern latitudes. Although in January there is also frost. And believers in the middle zone and the North generally get water, scorching cold! This tradition, again, is rooted in the depths of centuries. This is how Jesus met this day, believers simply repeat his feat, thereby demonstrating the strength of their devotion to the covenants of the Lord. It is believed that diving into the ice hole at Epiphany is a special ritual. He relieves a person of all sorts of misfortunes. His body is filled with health, and the spirit is strengthened. He seems to be in touch with the Triune Lord through bathing in natural waters. By the way, it is impossible to change the described procedure to a shower or a bathroom. It is necessary to plunge into the natural waters that were in the Epiphany night under the open sky.

When are they bathing for Epiphany?

The legend says that the heavens open at midnight from 18 to 19 January. It is believed that nature at this point fades, everything is filled with the presence of the Lord. His spirit descends to the earth. He remains with us for a whole day. Therefore, the question of when swimming on Epiphany is not entirely appropriate. These days and the night itself, any moment is right for this cause. Do as you please. Many believers, by the way, come to water reservoirs together with clergymen. So it is accepted. Worship is conducted by rivers or lakes. The priest blesses the water. Then already everyone can dive, if there is a desire and health allows. However, you do not need to wait for this moment. The whole day you can swim in open water, recruit it for yourself for future use. Water is considered healing. It is used when the ailment undermines the body or soul.

Prayer for Epiphany

Today, not many people receive religious education. From this follows some confusion. People simply do not know when to read a prayer. Of course, you can ask the church or ask those who know more about this issue. There is another way. In each temple there is a special shop. It sells a lot of useful things. We are interested in prayer songs. This is a booklet that contains a lot of useful information. Buy it once - and cease to be confused in prayers. Only ask the minister to pick up a book with explanations. And while you do not have it, read these words: "My God, my God! I praise your holy gift, which He gave us for the remission of our sins! Strengthen holy water with spirit and body, with the health of souls. Help in conquering passions of sinful, physical infirmities. We trust in Your infinite mercy! Amen!"

Some advice on the attitude to water

There are many beliefs and traditions associated with Baptism. Most of all it is known that it is necessary to stock up the water on this festive day. She is drunk, washed, sprinkles the house or office. When the water runs out, it's saved. And you can dilute it with the usual one. It acquires the same properties as Epiphany. The water should be treated with respect. Keep it in a glass container. Remember that it does not deteriorate and does not fade. It's not water that helps, but faith is sincere. Understand the meaning of what the soul said, then the Lord will always be there, support and help!