Epiphany in Greece also known as Theofania or Fota.

It commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist as well as the popular belief that goblins are sent back to the hollow earth.

Young children sing traditional carols on the eve of the Fota, in return for candy or pocket money.

Numerous other traditions take place all over Greece with most involving carol singing. Of all the versions, those from the island of Patmos retain their original character. Their theme begins with the creation of the world, the creation of waters by God, and finally end with the day of Jesus Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

The first sanctification of the Epiphany (The Enlightenment) takes place in church on the eve of the holiday. Then the priest goes from door to door to every house holding a cross and a basil twig. As he walks through each house, he uses the basil to sprinkle all the areas of the home. This is thought to be a blessing for every household.

On the day of the Epiphany, brave swimmers dive into the freezing sea, to catch the Holy Cross used to bless the waters  and get the priests blessing for the year.

The biggest sanctification takes place the following day, January 6, the day of the Epiphany in Greece.

Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2iT39R0