Viktor Yushchenko during the Epiphany bathing

Ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko, foreground, during the Epiphany bathing in Kiev, on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Ukrainian Christmas rituals ended on Epiphany holiday. The evening before the holiday was called Generous Evening. That evening Ukrainians had fast and cooked kutya. They also went to the church and hallowed water. Later they began meals with this water and the host sprinkled it on the family, house and wells. Another ritual dish for Epiphany was called podpalok – a honey cookie. After dinner the host went into cattle-shed, sprinkled holy water there, drew crosses and ate podpalok to get saved from evil spirits. The apogee of Epiphany happened when the priest put his cross into the water and made it holy. Traditionally it took place on the river coasts or near lakes. Ukrainians cut a cross in the ice, put wooden cross vertically and poured beet drink upon it so that it turned red, decorated it with flowers and pine branches. Epiphany water was considered to be universal medicine from all the diseases. Bottles filled with it stood in each Ukrainian village house. After Epiphany holiday weddings season started and lasted till the Great Fast. It was time for rest and entertainment. Youth gathered for the evening parties, went to visit each other. To make summer closer large bread was baked and then carried around the house. Photo by UNIAN