From the history of the holiday
In ancient times, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ was connected to the feast of the Nativity of Christ. For this reason, preserved many similarities in the rites and content of these two holidays. In particular, the same Epiphany Eve, Epiphany Eve (or evening) "duplicate" on Christmas Eve or Christmas Eve. Epiphany Eve should be seen as a prelude to the actual Epiphany.
The spiritual meaning of the holiday and ceremonies.
The main content of Vigil Baptism is, over the same fasting established on this day. According to a pious tradition in this day do not eat anything until the end of the evening worship in the temple and before the first stars. Here again is viewed parallel to Christmas, where the custom is observed in memory of the Star of Bethlehem that led the wise men to the infant Jesus.
And you should not see this as some sort of mechanical transfer of customs from one celebration to another. The fact that the very unity of Baptism and Christmas initially in ancient Christianity took place due to the fact that both of these events were understood to Epiphany (notoriously, the word is the second name of Epiphany).
Indeed, the Christian tradition comprehends these two events - Christmas and Epiphany - as the discovery of the divine, mystical, transcendent and in the life of Christ, and in the life of every Christian is born into the world and honored with the sacrament of baptism, and more - all in the life of every human being. After the appearance of any human being, from the point of view of Christianity, there are inexplicable in its depth and wonder of the great triumph. In the same miracle is and all human life, especially in its turning points. These moments, according to many Christian sages and teachers, just refers baptism of Jesus, which through ritual immersion in the waters of the Jordan, was able to gain more than a revelation about his fate, his life's calling.
The meaning of the Epiphany Eve to be seen in the fact that the Orthodox believer could post feasible, particularly personal prayer and temple, as well as reflections on the biblical narrative to prepare for a holiday devoted to the baptism of Jesus Christ. In addition, the post of the day there is a functional purpose - to separate the Christmas festivities (they last from 7 to 17 January) from another independent church holiday, open a new cycle of church rituals and spiritual experiences.
Customs and traditions of the holiday
As for the name "Eve", it comes from the word "sochivo." So called ritual dish (also known as "kutia"), which is only one and is used to this day. Preparing sochivo of cooked cereal (usually taken to rice or wheat germ), mixed with honey, poppy seeds, nuts, dried fruit variety. This dish - a symbol of spiritual sweetness and delight.
According to tradition, to comply with antiquity to the present, believers in Epiphany Eve go to the evening service, no eating before. This is done with the intention to join after the service of holy water (at a church language it is also called the Great agiasmoy, that great shrine), which is just consecrate the first time in the new year at the end of a church service on Christmas Eve. This water for daily consumption, many believers are gaining in bottles and cans home.
Actually to Epiphany Eve applies Epiphany bathing ritual in the hole. On the night of Baptism, that is, Epiphany Eve, who tend to particularly about the customs of the native deep antiquity bathe in the sanctified waters and baths. There is a long-standing popular belief that bathing in the night refreshes the soul and gives it strength to commit further way of life.
In some areas (southern regions of Russia, eastern Ukraine) in the Eve of Epiphany walk like a yuletide, home, sing and congratulate the owners, for which he received from the last gifts. This custom is called schedrovaniem from what Epiphany Eve has another name - Christmas Eve or Epiphany carols.