At the event, reporting for The American Photography ; Street Wear Fashion Week 2017

Justin Chester, musician

Justin Chester, musician

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On January 19th a holiday is logged on the calendar of the Russian Federation.  The baptism of Jesus is recognized.  It is widely considered to be 1 of 5 major events in Jesus’ life.  On a day known as “The Epiphany”, and by Instagrammers as #EpiphanyDay, I witnessed the Saint-Petersburg citizens subject themselves to frigid practices.  

This annual tradition sent men and women diving into unimaginably cold water through a carved out rectangle in the Neva River.  They perform a moment of prayer before dunking themselves in the water, symbolically washing away their sins.  It wasn’t more than twenty degrees fahrenheit.  This was courageous and debatably over-zealous.  

Nevertheless, the evenings affairs were supported by a tent to change clothes before and after.  Families arrived serenely, quietly filing in and out to perform their ritual.  This has become much more popular as a practice in recent years since the 90s.  

I mused a simple fascination, noting the fearlessness of this tradition and appreciating the invite from my local friend who made it possible for me to be there.

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