A popular belief in Bulgaria has it that on the night before St. Jordan’s day or Epiphany (6th January), the water in all rivers, pools and springs is purified and sanctified. That is why anything immersed in these waters would also come out purified and sanctified. On St. Jordan’s day the same ritual is performed throughout Bulgaria – a priest throws a wooden cross into the waters of rivers or pools to purify them. Then young men jump into the icy water to retrieve the cross. It is believed that he who finds it will be the healthiest throughout the new year.