Epiphany in Plakias

[We live in Plakias]

Epiphany in Crete is important. It is the day when the sanctification of the water takes place. Yesterday (6th January) in Plakias hundreds of locals came into the village and down to the harbour. A priest spoke at length in ancient Greek and then threw a cross into the water thus blessing the water. Then about a dozen young men jumped into the water to compete in retrieving the cross.
I think the ceremony is an appeal to the Gods to protect the fishermen during the forthcoming year but if anyone knows more about it perhaps you could put up a posting.

[happyashellas]

The epiphany is certainly a long established celebration in differing forms of christianity. Some lean more towards the magi while the orthodox seems more concerned with the baptism and "realisation" itself. Where and when the cross diving and releasing a dove started I've no idea, although perhaps it is the retrieval or rebirth of the cross that is significant? I read online that some places have the cross tied to a long piece of string in case the divers are unsuccessful, although I suppose this should only happen in very deep harbours.