Ko se krstom krsti, na Krstovdan posti. (Every Christian should fast.) An old saying that is valid for 18th January and the day that marks The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It is celebrated in memory of the moment when Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. It is always celebrated on the eighteenth day of January, featuring a strict fast, the first after the Christmas Fast and liturgies. Another great feature of this holiday is swimming for the Holy Cross, and only the bravest, necessarily baptized are applying for the competition.
National belief says that in the night between 18th and 19th January, between the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Epiphany, the sky opens at midnight and "God appears". So, open the window or go outside, look into the sky and make a wish. Believers say it always comes true.
The Epiphany celebrates God's incarnation as Holy Trinity. Simply put, the Son, the Holy Father and the Holy Spirit appeared for the first time on the Epiphany. At the same time, the holiday reminds that the mission of Jesus was begun not with his birth but with his baptism. Because of the Holy Water, this holiday is also called Vodice or Vodokrsce. It is good to wash your face with this Holy Water with basil and to keep it in your home. Another ritual that follows this holiday is dedicated to unmarried girls. If they put a small mirror under the bed before sleep before the Epiphany, it is believed that they will dream of a future husband.
Jesus' Forerunner, St. John the Baptist. His day is celebrated several times a year, but the biggest and most popular celebration is on 20th January, without any change in dates. He had a key role in Christ's baptism. He taught people about faith. Together with his disciples, he spread the knowledge of baptism and fasting. He tragically lost his life - King Herod ordered his execution (beheading of John the Baptist). St. Luke wanted to transfer his relics from Sevastia (Sivas - Sebastian) to Antioch, but he did not get permission, so he only transferred his one arm. The last known location where the arm was is Constantinople. The Turks made sure never to be found.
