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Baptism is celebrated by Orthodox Christians on January 19. On this day, the church recalls an evangelical event – how the prophet John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. There are several rules regarding the celebration of Epiphany, including nutrition.
Epiphany Eve
On January 18, believers observe a short but strict fast. According to tradition, on this day you can only eat kutya (sochivo), while allowing yourself some lean dishes. On “woman’s evening” – and this is what our ancestors called the eve of Epiphany – they managed mainly with lean borscht, dumplings, pies, cabbage, fish.
And the main dish on the table was hungry kutia. “Hungry” – as no butter or cream was added to the kutya. You will find the recipe for such a kutya – HERE.
What should be on the table at Epiphany
When the water in the reservoirs is consecrated and the first star appears in the sky, you can sit down at the table. In some regions of our country, according to tradition, 12 dishes are put on the table on Epiphany Christmas Eve, just like on Christmas. But this is not necessary at all.
In addition to kutya, it is customary to put on the table such dishes: borscht with mushroom ears, dumplings with filling, fish, pies, rolls, sweet jelly or uzvar. The table on this day was considered one of the richest of the year.
In addition, they always put some hay on the table and cover it with a white tablecloth.
What to drink and eat on an empty stomach
The first thing a person should try on Epiphany is a glass of consecrated water, because it is believed that on January 18-19, it has special power and is able to protect not only from evil spirits, but also from all diseases. And after that you need to eat lean kutya.
Before each Epiphany, the clergy remind everyone to swim in the ice-hole that it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol before this ritual. And doctors advise to keep warm before entering the ice hole, drink a tablespoon of fish oil, and after bathing – hot tea.
Have a good holiday!
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Recall that earlier we shared recipes for delicious warming teas, ideal for winter. Do not forget about them when going to plunge into the ice-hole.