6 January

Yordanovden

Yordanovden is one of the most popular Bulgarian Christianity feasts. It is also known as Bogoyavlenie. It is celebrating the consecration of the holy cross. It takes a really important place in the traditional Bulgarian calendar. People associate it with the belief that during the night before the feast the sky opens up and whoever makes a wish at that moment it will come true. 

According to the Eastern orthodox calendar, Yordanovden marks the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the water of the Jordan River. 

The key rituals on Yordanovden are related to the beliefs in the healthy power of water. On that day during the Church service, water is consecrated. After the service, the priest throws the cross into the river and according to the tradition bachelors swim into the icy waters to take it out. Whoever takes it out is supposed to be healthy and happy. He should go around the village with the cross in his hands and everybody should give him gifts. 

When the priest throws the cross into the waters, the miracle begins. Prettily dressed residents from 10 to 50 years of age jump into the icy waters of the river and try to catch the cross. Some say that the tradition requires the youngest of them all should pass the cross to the priest. There are thousands of people - happy, smiling, cold but eager to fulfill the undying tradition. 

Photos: Courtesy of the known and unknown talented authors whose photos are available on the Internet

This presentation has been compiled by

Desislava Andreeva, a student in the 10 "v"grade at St St Cyril and Methodius School, Asenovgrad, Bulgaria