Orthodox faithful jump to catch a wooden crucifix during Epiphany day celebrations in the southern suburb of Faliro in Athens, Greece. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis
LONDON (Reuters) - Swimmers across Europe marked the Epiphany feast day on Friday by diving into icy waters to retrieve wooden crosses as part of a range of Christian celebrations to mark the end of the Christmas season.
The crosses, blessed by priests beforehand, are believed to bring good luck for the year to those who retrieve them, with swimmers following the tradition throughout Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and other locations.
