Greek Traditions Community

What is the meaning behind the Epiphany catching cross tradition?

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greek_ggirl

greek_ggirl

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I live in Montreal, so I've never witnessed the catching of the cross (when they throw the cross into the ocean and people swim to get it). What is the meaning behind this? And is it done in all parts of Greece?
 
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greek_ggirl said:
I live in Montreal, so I've never witnessed the catching of the cross (when they throw the cross into the ocean and people swim to get it). What is the meaning behind this? And is it done in all parts of Greece?
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From what I understand this custom celebrates the Epiphany. According to the website "In the Greek Orthodox Church, Epiphany is celebrated as the revelation of Christ as the messiah and second person of the trinity, at his baptism, by John the Baptist, in the River Jordan." Source: https://athenscentre.gr/epiphany-in-greece/
 
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The tradition is a way for Greeks and those in the diaspora to celebrate the baptism of Christ. In some places, it is actually a competition, and in others, the best swimmer/diver in the area is selected to retrieve it.
 
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