Serbian Epiphany

In Serbia like elsewhere in the ex Communist world, the period of political and social transition has also redefined the importance of the local Orthodox Church in the society. Religion has not only rapidly grown again in popularity but has in fact assumed a more important role in the value system and in the political life of these new found democracies. The celebration of Epiphany on the 6^th of January is yet another example of this growth in popularity. On this day, a wooden cross is thrown into the sea, river or lake, by a priest symbolising the baptism of Christ and young abled men race to retrieve it. As the date is in early January and the waters are close to freezing, this is considered an honorable act and it is said that good health will be bestowed upon the home of the swimmer who is the first to reach the cross.