Ukrainians celebrate Epiphany, plunge into icy water. PHOTOS

Ukraine celebrates Epiphany today. It is believed that this day, from midnight to midnight, the water gets curative properties. Therefore, many people go to reservoirs to plunge into an ice-hole. People also go to churches on this day to get holy water.

Social media are already abundant with photos showing Ukrainians dipping themselves into water on the occasion of Epiphany, Censor.NET reports.

Those who plan to challenge themselves should follow some basic rules. Plunging must be done only in places equipped with a descent into water and handrails. "Before dipping, some warming up exercises will help. A person should enter water slowly and stay in it for no more than a few seconds," experts say. To avoid hypothermia after swimming, one needs to immediately towel the body, put on warm clothes, and drink hot tea (no coffee or alcohol are allowed).

Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian holidays, ending Yuletide. It honors the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River and symbolizes purification.