Sometimes interesting questions arise in the head. For example, everyone knows that the Epiphany 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 Christ did. But is it possible to wash in Baptism? It means - in the bath or in the shower. What to do and what is the issue related to? Let's figure out where the wind blows.
A little about the holiday itself
To find out whether it is possible to wash in baptism, will help study the history of Christianity. After all, you are not happy with the simple answer? He doesn’t clarify anything. With the answer “yes” or “no” the essence 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 a mistake, like all other people. Therefore, we will approach our problem from a different perspective.
Let's see how significant this day is, then it will become clear whether it is possible to wash. In Baptism, as you know, there was a certain event that believers have been honoring for two thousand years, celebrated as a great triumph. To Christ (man), bathing in the waters of the Jordan, the Lord turned. He recognized him as his son. The Holy Spirit flew to him in the form of a dove. This, as is commonly believed, was the first manifestation of the Lord in three forms. Now, we repeat, this event is celebrated by believers as a holiday taking place on January 18-19. “The Baptism of the Lord,” is what he is called. From this legend it is important to understand that the event is related to water. As you know, it is she who plays a large role in the
rite of baptism . It turns out that water gains a divine essence at the time of celebration.
Where did the question come from?
Now we come to the bottom of the matter. They argue whether it is possible to wash themselves at Baptism, people who were inspired by the thought of the special role of water in celebration. That is, they suggest that it can not be used as usual. Such behavior may offend the Lord.
Priests are often asked about this. How to combine the divinity of water and ordinary things? That is, whether washing or cleaning is sinful, and is it also possible to wash in Baptism? Faith is so deep in these people that they fear by an involuntary mistake to discredit the holiness of the Epiphany. Perhaps such reasoning is commendable. There is nothing wrong with respect for the shrines of religion, whether they are material or spiritual. However, how can one offend the Lord by caring for his gifts? We went to a different aspect of reasoning, as well as the arguments of the clergy. Consider them.
Everything from the Lord
When wondering how to behave on the day when Baptism is celebrated, the Orthodox community misses one subtlety, which, of course, will be clarified by the priest. The fact is that the holiness of the waters is not the reason for the limitation in their use. Judge for yourself, the Lord has given us land, forests, seas, and so on. He created the world, including ourselves. The body, if approached from this point of view, is as holy as water. So what prevents keeping it clean? Celebration?
But this is some distortion. No rituals or prayers should be performed with a grimy or foul-smelling one. On the contrary, it is necessary to prepare for the celebration, namely, to wash, to dress up, and the like. You go to meet the Lord. It turns out that there are no prohibitions on the bathhouse on the day of Baptism. If hygiene norms oblige, then you are welcome to the bathhouse or bathroom. To feel comfortable and easy, and not to shy away from people under pain of accusations of sloppiness.
Are there any restrictions on household chores?
They say that on great church holidays the Lord does not order to work. This rule now applies to literally everything. And given that household cares are usually associated with water, they try to postpone them for days after Baptism. However, it should be noted that such self-restrictions are in vain. This is too much. The Lord really bequeathed not to work during the days of celebration. But he spoke of the hard work of the farmer, and not of the household affairs of the housewives. The special condition of the water is not an obstacle to its use during washing or cleaning. That is, religious prohibitions are absent.
Wash dishes or floors if necessary. And if at the same time a prayer for Baptism is uttered, the Lord will surely forgive! Of course, this is a joke. There is no sin in striving to keep order and accuracy!
What are they doing at baptism?
If there are no questions about the bath, then you can ask why the hole is of such importance. 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 that burns with cold! This tradition, again, goes back centuries. This is how Jesus met this day, believers simply repeat his feat, thereby demonstrating the power of their devotion to the covenants of the Lord. It is believed that diving into the ice hole at Baptism is a special rite. He delivers man from all kinds of misfortunes. His body is filled with health, and his spirit is strengthened. He seems to be in contact with the Triune Lord through bathing in natural waters. By the way, it is impossible to change the described procedure for a shower or a bathroom. It is necessary to plunge into the natural waters that were on Epiphany night in the open.
When to bathe at baptism?
Legend has it that heaven opens at midnight from January 18 to 19. It is believed that nature at this moment freezes, everything is filled with the presence of the Lord. His spirit descends to the earth. He stays with us all day. Therefore, the question of when to bathe at Baptism is not entirely appropriate. These days and the night itself, any moment is suitable for this matter. Do as you feel comfortable. Many believers, by the way, come to the ponds along with the clergy. So accepted. At rivers or lakes worship is held. Father blesses the water. Then already everyone can dive, if there is a desire and health allows. However, it is not necessary to wait for this moment. For a whole day you can swim in open water, to recruit it for future use. Water is considered healing. It is used when an ailment undermines the body or soul.
Prayer for baptism
Today, not many people receive religious education. Some confusion follows from this. People just don’t know when which prayer should be read. Of course, you can ask in the church or ask those who are more versed in this matter. There is another way. Each temple has a special shop. It sells a lot of useful things. We are interested in a prayer book. This is a little book containing a lot of useful information. Buy it once - and stop getting confused in prayers. Just ask the minister to pick up an explanatory book. And while you do not have it, read these words: “Lord God! I will glorify Your holy gift that he gave us for the remission of our sins! Strengthen our body and soul with holy water , the health of souls. Help in conquering the passions of sinful, physical weaknesses. We trust in your infinite mercy! Amen!"
Some tips on attitudes towards water
There are many beliefs and traditions associated with Baptism. Most of all it is known that it is necessary to stock up on water on this holiday. They drink it, wash it, spray it on a house or office. When the water runs out, it is saved. And you can dilute it with the usual. It acquires the same properties as Epiphany. Water should be respected. Store it in a glass bowl. Remember that it does not deteriorate or rot. Only water does not help, but sincere faith. Delve into the meaning of what was said by the soul, then the Lord will always be there, support and help!