In the early hours of January 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the Orthodox feast of Epiphany by immersing himself in icy waters, as reported by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. When questioned about Putin’s participation in the Epiphany dip, Peskov confirmed, “Yes, he did it to mark Epiphany according to tradition.
” The practice of Epiphany (Baptism) bathing holds deep roots in Russian folk traditions and signifies the celebration of the Christian holiday that memorializes the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.
On January 19, Orthodox believers globally observe the Baptism of the Lord, a significant Christian holiday. The customary Epiphany bathing traditionally occurs in the early morning hours of that day.
Although Putin had previously adhered to the tradition without publicizing it, the Kremlin brought attention to his Epiphany activities in 2018.
Peskov noted that the president had quietly followed the tradition in prior years. In the preceding year, Putin undertook his chilly dip in icy waters in a Moscow suburb.
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