Epiphany - St.Jordan-day (6 January)
On 6 January the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany holiday.
06/01/2019 | Published in Traditions and celebrations
On 6 January the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany
holiday. The holiday is known also as Jordan-day because, according to
biblical legend on this day. Jesus Christ was baptized in the River of
Jordan by John the Baptist. According to the legend, at the time of
baptism sky opens and the Holy Spirit descends on Christ as a dove from
heaven and spread voice: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased" which has brought the name Epiphany.
At this day the water
is consecrated. After the church service the priest throws a cross into
the river (or the sea/lake/etc.) and group of young men jump into the
river to find it. It is believed that one who find it will be healthy
and happy.
The day is a name day of people with names Jordan,
Yordanka, Dancho, Danka, Bogoljub, Bogoljub, Bojan, Bojana, Dana, Clear,
Boyan, Bogdan, Bogdana.