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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/19/ice-swimming-tips-from-russias-epiphany-dippers
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| Ice swimming tips from Russia's Epiphany dippers | Ice swimming tips from Russia's Epiphany dippers |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| What do you do when it’s cold outside? You stay indoors, turn up the heating and maybe have a hot bath. Unless, of course, you’re Russian. | |
| Despite winter temperatures routinely falling well below zero, Orthodox Christians follow an old ritual to mark Epiphany on the eve of 19 January – assembling across the country at midnight to immerse themselves in icy water to celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ. | Despite winter temperatures routinely falling well below zero, Orthodox Christians follow an old ritual to mark Epiphany on the eve of 19 January – assembling across the country at midnight to immerse themselves in icy water to celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ. |
| Related: Epiphany celebrations in Siberia's icy water – in pictures | Related: Epiphany celebrations in Siberia's icy water – in pictures |
| Fans of cold water swimming talk of its “rejuvenating” properties and say that your body will acclimatise easily, but others will tell you that mental preparation is more than half the battle. Tempted? Let these epiphany dippers show you how it’s done. | Fans of cold water swimming talk of its “rejuvenating” properties and say that your body will acclimatise easily, but others will tell you that mental preparation is more than half the battle. Tempted? Let these epiphany dippers show you how it’s done. |
| “The water is cold this year,” Instagram user @kostya_nikon deadpanned – in case anyone was in any doubt. | “The water is cold this year,” Instagram user @kostya_nikon deadpanned – in case anyone was in any doubt. |
| Some suggested strategies for keeping warm before and for defrosting afterwards: | Some suggested strategies for keeping warm before and for defrosting afterwards: |
| In some spots, the ice holes are designed to resemble a cross. Tradition dictates that water becomes holy on this day and by immersing themselves three times, believers hope to wash away their sins. | In some spots, the ice holes are designed to resemble a cross. Tradition dictates that water becomes holy on this day and by immersing themselves three times, believers hope to wash away their sins. |
| Many like to meet in the evening so they can take the first dip at midnight as 19 January commences. | Many like to meet in the evening so they can take the first dip at midnight as 19 January commences. |
| But the tradition — and those cold water faces — continue well into daylight hours. | But the tradition — and those cold water faces — continue well into daylight hours. |
| It was fun for all the all the family in Vladivostok: | It was fun for all the all the family in Vladivostok: |
| As officials stood guard in St Petersburg: | As officials stood guard in St Petersburg: |
| Just remember “ice is not a hindrance, if you follow the right rules,” says Instagram user olamassa. | Just remember “ice is not a hindrance, if you follow the right rules,” says Instagram user olamassa. |