Cold Fun in the Wintertime

Kiev Ukraine, January 19, 2012

Although it may not look like it, this is a religious ceremony. Every January 19, Orthodox Epiphany, believers take a dip in whatever outdoor body of water that might be handy, whether it’s an ocean, a lake, a river, or a pond. This is in commemoration of the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan many centuries ago.

This photo was taken today in one of the numerous events around Kiev, Ukraine, and the Orthodox world. Last year’s event locally was a bit of a disappointment, because the temperature that day was only 1C/34F. This year’s event was held in much more favorable conditions. At 10AM this morning, it was -7C/20F, a temperature that’s considered much more suitable for this event.

If I were to ever try this, the body of water I would look for would be the hot tub!

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Flickr: T i s d a l e

January 20, 2012 at 1:57 pm

I’d be dead in a nanosecond. Great Capture.

Flickr: Roads Less Traveled Photography

January 20, 2012 at 1:58 pm

Flickr: JLallen1111

January 20, 2012 at 2:04 pm

Brilliant image, lovely capture!

youtu.be/bIJxvzjXK_Q

Flickr: yemaria

January 20, 2012 at 2:12 pm

Awesome ! Very interesting culture !

Flickr: Eustaquio Santimano

Salute you guys!!!

Flickr: Maureclaire

January 20, 2012 at 2:19 pm

OMG ! No thanks !!! GREAT catch !!!

Flickr: rovingeyeproductions

January 20, 2012 at 2:22 pm

And the best of luck !!!

Flickr: mattkaz (aka McPhloyd)

January 20, 2012 at 2:40 pm

brrrrr

Larysa Smith

January 20, 2012 at 4:53 pm

Better them than me:)

Flickr: JimbobEdsel

January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm

Very interesting about the ceremony. Nice shot.

Flickr: su-sa-ni-ta

January 20, 2012 at 3:48 pm

Magnifica imagen ! happy weekend !

Flickr: Filmshooter43

January 20, 2012 at 4:05 pm

That water doesn’t look any 7 degrees, it is rimmed with ice and snow. They must be believers as they are still smiling.

Flickr: ride0583

January 20, 2012 at 4:08 pm

Priceless.

Flickr: -Joseph-

January 20, 2012 at 4:28 pm

I can feel the cold.Very nice shot!

Flickr: *larigan*

January 20, 2012 at 4:52 pm

Religion could really catch on there

Flickr: Aardewerk

January 20, 2012 at 5:04 pm

1 or -7 degrees Celsius, it’s both way too cold for me to take a swim somewhere outside with those temperatures. Thank god I’m a non-believer in this case… XD