The Three Kings (continued)

Another tradition typical for this day was the blessing of water, salt, chalks, candles and other objects of everyday use. Running water during the period of the winter solstice was supposed have a stronger effect than water from any other period in the year. In the Greek orthodox and Protestant parts of Slovakia, priest even blessed water directly in ponds and rivers and used to call it "Jordan water".

In the region of Orava, people used to pour this blessed water onto their homes and stables and then keep the rest of it, because it was believed that this water wouldn't go off the whole year. The blessed salt and chalks were supposed to protect the people and the house. Therefore, the salt was mixed together with the feed, and the chalks were used to put crosses on the entrances into the house and stables, and also people used to make a circle around the shepherd's hut. Blessed candles would also be lit next to the bed of a dying person or when there was a storm. Generally all the blessed objects were used to protect people and animals against demons, witches and illnesses, and also against natural disasters.

The Three Kings (cont...) >>

- Introduction

- Traditional Calendar

- Traditional Food

- Traditional Recipes

- Traditional Crafts

- Folk Music & Dance

- Folkgroup ORAVA

- Folkgroup Kubincan