On 6 January the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Jordan-Day. It falls on the twelfth night after Christmas. Some people know this holiday as Epiphany. According to biblical legend. John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. According to the legend, at the time of the baptism the sky opened and the Holy Spirit descended towards Christ as a dove from heaven. He said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am very pleased”.

Traditionally, on 6th January the priest blesses some water. After the church service the priest throws a cross into the river (or the sea/lake/etc.) and group of young men jump into the river to find it. In Bulgaria we believe that the one who finds it will be healthy and happy.

Different Names for Jordan-Day

The Yordan-Day feast has different names in the different regions of the country: Bogoyavlenie (“Manifestation of God“), Krashtenie Gospodne (“Baptism of the Lord“) or Yordanovden (“Day of Jordan“, referring to the river).

The main ritual on this day is throwing of the cross. Men dive in the ice-cold water and race to retrieve the cross. The first man who takes the cross out of the water is blessed and will have good health, free from evil spirits throughout the year. The priest delivers a special blessing to that man and his household.

Celebrations of Jordan-day throughout Bulgaria

In Veliko Tarnovo, the priest goes to the Yantra River. The spectacle is visible from the old wooden bridge in the old town. It is usually at 11:00 am, so try not to miss it if you are in town.

We follow the Jordan-Day celebration with a festive liturgy. The Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte serves a Great Blessing of Waters Liturgy in St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia.

In the South Bulgarian town of Kalofer the ritual is longer. A large group of men and boys go in the icy waters of Tundzha river early in the morning. Here they perform the unique men’s dance called “Mazhko horo”. In Kalofer it does not matter who catches the cross because as a tradition it goes to the youngest boy who went into the freezing waters of Tundzha river.

In Bulgaria, the holiday has a special place in the cultural tradition since many people called Jordan celebrate their name day. This day is a name day of people with names Jordan, Yordanka, Dancho, Danka, Bogoljub, Bogoljub, Bojan, Bojana, Dana, Clear, Boyan, Bogdan, Bogdana. So, if you know anyone by these names you can say Честит Имен Ден! Chestit Imen Den! or Happy Name Day!

5th January

In Bulgarian folklore, the night of 5th of January, the sky opens and listens to the prayers of all people. Bulgarians also celebrate the purifying and healing power of water at this time of the year.

Christmas Decorations

Many people believe that Christmas decorations should be taken down before 12th night. This also falls on Epiphany.

See more about Bulgarian traditions and celebrations in our Culture Posts.