Ref Number: 210
A central ritual involves the priest blessing and the throwing a wooden cross into the sea.
Ref Number: 210
The custom originates from the Orthodox Christian observance of the Epiphany on January 6, which honours the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. By the early 20th century, the tradition had become both widespread and firmly rooted throughout Bulgaria.
A significant ceremony features the priest offering a blessing and casting a wooden cross into the sea. In this scene, a large crowd gathers on the breakwater at Varna, their voices rising in a chorus of shouts, claps and cheers as the brave participants plunge into the water after the cross. It is thought that the first to retrieve it will be granted good health and fortune for the year ahead.
In the rich tapestry of Bulgarian folklore, Epiphany is intricately connected to ancient pagan traditions. On this day, water is regarded as particularly purifying and imbued with magical properties. It is said that at midnight, the sky “opens,” allowing for the granting of wishes and the cleansing of malevolent forces.
The image, used with permission from LOSTBULGARIA.COM, vividly captures the 1903 event, which was clearly attended by numerous devoted and enthusiastic participants.
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