I’m not really a religious person, but I like all the superstitions connected to religion. Most of these superstitions come from ancient times, even before we became Christians.Today I will tell you a bit about the Epiphany superstitions that we have. :)First of all, on this day (6 January), it is said that the sky opens and that people can predict how the year will be.On this day, all the water becomes holy. But for that to happen, the priest says some magical words and waves a bit of basil over the water.All the water will remain holy for eight weeks, so women shouldn’t wash clothes during that time. (I wonder why only women are supposed to wash? Don’t men wash clothes? 🙂 ) If you do wash them, the waters will be defiled.The water blessed in church becomes Holy Water. People put this Holy Water into bottles and take it home. Throughout the year, and especially during the first eight days after Epiphany, they drink a little every morning before eating or drinking anything.People believe it will make them feel better and keep evil away.On this day, young men jump into the freezing water of a river or lake. They dive in to catch the crucifix that the priest throws into the water. They believe that whoever brings back the crucifix will be lucky and healthy throughout the year.Many years ago, they didn’t only believe they would be fortunate. The local lord would reward the person who brought back the crucifix with valuable gifts, and he would also gain the respect of the community.I find it a little crazy, as it is so incredibly cold at this time of year.Today, tradition says that the devils come out of the waters. The only creature that can see them is the wolf, who scares them away. (I wonder who would do that in Bucharest, as we don’t have wolves, and lately not even that many stray dogs.)For the same reason—keeping the devils away—in some regions men shoot above the river to frighten the evil spirits. In other regions, young men light a fire and jump over it to banish evil.On the night before Epiphany, the animals start talking and reveal where hidden treasures are buried. (I wonder if my cat would be kind enough to share that with me. 🙂 )If you are a woman and are dying of curiosity to find out whether you will get married this year, and you don’t yet have a prince, then put some basil under your pillow and take a nap. You might dream of your chosen one. For that to happen, you have to fast that day.If you already have a prince, but this prince still doesn’t get the idea that you would like to get married, and you want to find out whether he will finally decide to propose, then you need to fall on ice on this day. If you do, you might get married this year.You might also get married if you see a white horse on this day.I think it is easier—but more painful—to fall on the ice than to see a white horse, at least in my city. 🙂 Good thing I don’t plan to get married. :))If you want to be beautiful all year and have everyone like you, then first you have to go to church, get some Holy Water, and pour it over your head three times. If you are even braver and don’t mind the cold, you can take a swim in a river or a lake.I don’t think a swimming pool would work… but you can always give it a try. :))On this day, people also believe you can predict how the year will be. If it is cold, with plenty of ice and snow, it will be a good year. If not, then it won’t be such a good one.Also, if you don’t want to have fleas during the summer, you have to sweep the house after the priest visits you.But on this day, you shouldn’t throw your rubbish outside.I hope you enjoyed some of our superstitions. 🙂