Moscow's frozen Borisovsky Ponds (barely) held last night's "christening" ceremony: an altogether ungodly event marked by a queue of half-naked Muscovites and their neighbors braving subzero (°C) temperatures for a fleeting dip in arctic waters. When security tried to discourage participants from disrobing on the ice for fear of it cracking, several semi-nudes responded by hopping the metal (metal!) barriers and cutting in line.

Incidentally, one had to climb over the metal obstructions once dipped and dripping wet, as well. It is yet unknown how many accidental amputations resulted from the late-night revelry, which stayed amazingly tame, judging by the photos. Eyewitnesses report temperatures of -8°c (17.6°F) outside, and +4 (39.2°F) in the water.

Today's LiveJournal reactions to the "christening" run the gamut from, "Not enough women. No one to look at," to "People have gotten fat since the collapse of the Soviet Union."

Крещенские купания [drugoi.livejournal.com]
Крещенские купания [lessenka.livejournal.com]