As I said earlier (see the post Siberian rebirth) it would have been exciting for me to try the frosty waters of the Jordan.
The practice of leaping into a cross-shaped hole in the ice on January, 19 to replay the baptism of Christ is a centuries old tradition in Russia.
I think none of foreigners could understand the crazy Russian bathers.
It’s unthinkable!
Just imagine it.
It was minus 23 degree centigrade that day.
On the bank of a town lake a cross-shaped hole was made.
The day has come, it was dark.
At a distance, the figures of bare bathers stood awaiting their turn like souls in purgatory, vague in the white vapour. Then one of them came into ice hole dived three times and gave the place to the next adventurous man.
Then it was my turn.
This is the first Epiphany bathing in my life and I am sure it won’t be the last.
Hardy Siberian Bathers
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