Sunday, January 20, 2013

The Cleanse of the Epiphany



January 19th marked the final day of the Ukrainian holidays - the Epiphany.  On this day all water is sacred – people head to lakes & rivers to wash away their sins by dunking 3 times crossing themselves after each dunk.


We got an up-close view of this ceremony from the riverside ‘camp-ground’ we headed to with friends this weekend


OK, we're not that crazy - our version of 'camping' included log cabins with fireplaces, bathrooms and heat...
 (Tawnia even brought a projector & movies - clearly not roughing it!)


A cross was cut out of the ice, a ladder dropped in & a procession of people stripped down to their undies for the dunk.


Our good friend Paolo even went in....
(We knew he was a little bit crazy and now think he might also be part fish)


Logan joined 5 others for a 2 hour sauna – TWO hours?!  
Apparently that is tolerable with occasional breaks outside, some vodka & dips in the lake


But the least expected dunk took place right after our arrival.  As Logan & I were distracted getting settled, the kids were out sledding down the beach onto the frozen river....

Xavier found a weak spot & went in up to his chest.
(Yes – 2 minutes into our trip & his only set of snow pants, coat & boots are SOAKED!)

But with his sins are all absolved, we couldn’t really get mad at him


Here’s to refreshing weekends & fresh starts!



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