Zima The Russian Winter

The climate of Russia varies greatly from the Black Sea to the Artic regions and Siberia, but it is the Russian winter -- zima -- that remains notorious throughout history as does the interesting Epiphany tradition.

Interestingly enough, in 2009, the mayor of Moscow, Yury Luzhkov, promised the Muscovites a “snowless winter,” or at a minimum, a winter with reduced snowfall by making an effort at weather control. He hired the Russian Air Force for a few million dollars to seed the clouds with chemicals such as dry ice and silver iodide so that the heavy snows would fall in areas outside Moscow. His plan did not work and in February 2010, a heavy snowfall of two feet blanketed the city.

There are two historical instances of severe winters that worked in Russia’s favor: one, the Napoleonic war of 1812 and the second, World War II. In the first instance, during the French invasion of Russia, it was a combination of a harsh winter and bad roads that caused the French to retreat with their tails between their legs. In the second instance, the Germans during WWII were also forced to abandon their plans for conquest during the heavy snows and lack of preparedness for the winter season.

Despite the severity of the cold weather, Russians still manage to celebrate in the midst of snow in the middle of winter during New Year’s, Russian Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7th and the Epiphany holiday that commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan by John the Baptist on January 18th. Remember it is “Deyd Moroz”-- the Russian version of Santa Claus -- that trudges through the snow to deliver gifts to children.

The Epiphany holiday is linked with an interesting tradition that can be likened to the first polar bear club. Water is blessed by the priest for use yearlong; it is considered holy after much prayer, reading, and singing of multiple hymns. Afterwards, the holy water is distributed to the faithful and it is used to bless the home, either by a visiting priest or the family itself.

After the Epiphany service, if a body of water happens to be nearby, the clergy and congregation voyage to a lake, the sea or ocean, or a river. Once again, the priest blesses the water with a cross. The blessing of the water culminates when willing participants plunge into the water (sometimes icy, depending on the locale) to expunge their sins. White doves are also released into the sky to commemorate the Holy Spirit. If the weather cooperates, the doves make a startling contrast against a blue and sunny sky.

Although the winter can be trying to the soul, it’s also a time for rest and recuperation in ourselves and nature. Besides, spring is sure to follow winter and life will renew itself.