Puting on Warm Coat After Bathing in Icy Water

Young men dry body with towels and put on warm coats after bathing in freezing water on lake Krugloe to celebrate the great Russian Orthodox feast of Epiphany on January 19, 2016.

On the day of Epiphany, thousands of Russians bath in the frozen rivers, lakes or ponds to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan river, which occurred on 19 January according to Julian calendar. Orthodox Christians believe that icy-cold water is holy for the day. Traditionally very cold weather with frosts occurs in this period. The bathing spots are normally prepared in a special way: cross-shaped holes are made in the ice and wooden stairs are fixed to make it more comfortable for the believers to go through the ritual.

The picture #083 was taken on January 19, 2016 on a lake Krugloe 23 km North-West from Moscow city during countryside tour with my dear repeat client from Belgium, Bert Nys.