Theophania is celebrated on January 6 in the Greek Orthodox tradition, a day that commemorates the baptism of Jesus with customs and traditions such as the Blessing of the Waters at rivers, lakes, and the sea. The priest performs a special liturgy and tosses a large golden cross into the water, symbolizing the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Υoung men bravely jump into the winter cold waters and compete to retrieve the cross. A blessing for the year and good luck is bestowed on them. In some regions, especially in the Aegean Islands and Crete, Theophania is also marked with local festivals, music and folk dancing, reflecting the joy and festivity of the day

The Baptism of Christ by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1475