You're reading: Politicians wash off sins on Epiphany

Thousands of Ukrainians are expected to gather on the banks of rivers and lakes to celebrate Orthodox Epiphany on Jan. 19. Diving into freezing waters on this day is believed to wash away sins. Ukrainian politicians and average citizens alike intend to plunge into ice holes seeking health, happiness -- and some publicity.

Viktor Baloha, a lawmaker and former chief of staff in President Viktor Yushchenko’s administration, says he has been practicing ice-water diving on Epiphany for many years “to keep healthy.”

“I swim (in cold water) not only on Epiphany but every time I have such opportunity. Now I plunge in an ice hole three times a week,” Baloha told the Kyiv Post. The member of  parliament plans to take an icy dip, although he is not sure about the place – Kyiv or Zakarpatska Oblast, where he is from.

Following the folk custom is also good politics.

“Diving in the ice holes helps a lawmaker to prove his devotion to Ukrainian traditions and demonstrate excellent fit,” says political analyst Vadym Karasiov. “Good health is a factor for political success.”

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko took an ice dip every year on Jan. 19. Ex-Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Vasiunyk, Ex-Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov, Ex-Minister of Family, Youth and Sport Yuriy Pavlenko and former Head of State Affairs Department Ihor Tarasiuk were among Yushchenko’s close political aides who jumped into cold water to follow their president.

Their commitment to national traditions often happened in front of TV cameras.

Perhaps former Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky provided the most memorable images, as tabloids circulated photos of him wearing a white speedo and an expensive watch while taking a dip.

Ukraine’s toppled President Viktor Yanukovych never bathed in cold water on Epiphany,  at least not in public. “Yanukovych did not work on (building) his electorate. He used other methods of influence,” Karasiov said.

The family of President Petro Poroshenko tries to follow national traditions and celebrate the biggest religious holidays in Ukrainian style. Ukraine’s first lady Maryna Poroshenko has not decided whether to dive or not in an ice hole this year and the president himself “likes the tradition and takes cold baths every year on Epiphany, but does it privately,” according to Poroshenko’s press service.

Kyiv Post staff writer Nataliya Trach can be reached at [email protected]

Pros and cons of Epiphany ice swimming 

Chief doctor of the Kyiv City Health Center Otto Stoyka says that one should take a cold shower at home daily during at least two weeks before Epiphany.

The dip itself should last only 10 seconds. Those who have heart illnesses and chronic diseases should avoid the ritual. Yet there are benefits. The cold dips stimulate the immune system and make the heart and vessels stronger. Those who often practice ice swimming tend to have a faster metabolism and higher resistance to stress, according to Dr. Stoyka.