Cossacks didn't dive into ice holes: how Epiphany was really celebrated in Ukraine

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The Cossacks celebrated the holiday with solemn ceremonies and cannon salutes, and the tradition of winter swimming appeared only in the 1990s

Zaporizhzhia Cossacks did not dive into ice holes on Epiphany, and this tradition has never been part of Ukrainian Christian culture. This statement is supported by historical evidence and research, which indicate that the celebration of Epiphany in Cossack times had a completely different character than modern practices.

Historian Serhiy Shumylo emphasizes that our ancestors not only did not practice bathing in ice water, but also did not undress in the presence of priests, as this contradicted the respect for holy water, which after consecration was used for drinking and healing, and not for bathing.

Origins of the tradition

Shumylo emphasizes that the tradition of diving into a hole appeared in Ukraine only in the 1990s and became popular thanks to politicians and the media, who imposed this stereotype as a “centuries-old folk tradition.” He notes that this is a distortion of genuine national and religious customs, and “walrusism” has turned the meaning of a great Christian holiday into a meaningless ritual, more akin to paganism.

Celebration of Epiphany in the Zaporozhian Sich

According to the memoirs of Nikita Korzh, an old Zaporizhia resident, recorded in the 19th century, Cossacks gathered on the Epiphany in the square in front of the church, dressed in their best clothes and armed. After the service, they went to the Dnipro River, where they listened to God's service. When the priest immersed the cross in the water, the Cossacks fired their cannons at the same time, creating a loud volley. This shows that the celebration was solemn and respectful.

Modern realities and criticism

Shumilo calls on Ukrainians to respect true national traditions and avoid distortions. He also draws attention to the fact that in ancient times, after consecration, holy water was drawn from a ladle for drinking during the year, and bathing in consecrated water was considered unacceptable. This confirms his opinion that the modern tradition of pit diving is an innovation and has no roots in Ukrainian customs.

So, the tradition of pit diving on Vodokhreshcha is a recent phenomenon that has no historical roots in Ukrainian culture. Zaporizhia Cossacks celebrated this great Christian holiday with dignity and respect for religious customs. It is important to remember the true traditions and their significance for Ukrainian culture so as not to distort them with modern interpretations.