Key Takeaways
- Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Wise Men and the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world.
- Depending on the Christian tradition, Epiphany may be celebrated as a single feast day or an entire liturgical season.
- Many countries observe Epiphany with unique customs, including King's Cakes, house blessings, parades, and gift-giving.
- Twelfth Night marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and inspired centuries of festive traditions.
- Epiphany remains an important celebration in the Christian calendar across Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant churches.
What Is Epiphany and Why Is It Celebrated?
Practically everyone remembers the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." What a lot of people forget is that the 12th day is an important date in the Christian calendar. It's the day that remembers the Wise Men's visit to baby Jesus and the revelation of the Son of God to mankind. It's believed that the Epiphany was first celebrated in the fourth century. The Wise Men brought symbolic gifts to the baby. Frankincense represented the divine birth. Gold was symbolic of Jesus' royal standing, and myrrh was for his mortality. In Europe during the Middle Ages, gifts were more commonly given on Epiphany than Christmas. Up until about the 19th century, January 6 was almost as celebrated as Christmas Day.
Is Epiphany a Day or a Season?
Catholic Churches observe the feast day of Epiphany as a single day. It's typically celebrated on the Sunday following January 6. Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 19, which is January 6 in the Julian calendar. In many Protestant churches, Epiphany is the entire season from January 6 through Ash Wednesday. It's a time where Christ's life on earth is remembered. Christians remember the baptism of Jesus, the wedding at Cana where he performed his first miracle and Christ's childhood events.
In many Spanish speaking countries, the day is called Dia de los Reyes. Bakers make bread, Rosca de Reyes (Kings' bread) and hide a small Jesus figurine in the loaf. Whoever gets the baby Jesus gets a reward. In some European countries, a priest throws a wooden cross into a lake. Swimmers race out to see who can get the cross first. Because it's typically very cold in these countries, it's an honorable act to swim out in freezing water to get the item. Children dress up as the magi and go from house to house to get gifts and treats. Priests of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in Egypt bless houses with water during Epiphany as a symbol of Christ's baptism. Parishioners spend the day fasting and praying because the day is one of the most important feasts in the Orthodox Church.
In Finland, Epiphany is dedicated to missionary work. The people eat gingerbread cookies made in the shape of a six-pointed star, the Star of Bethlehem. Before eating the cookie, it's traditional to try and break it apart while holding it in one hand and make a wish. If the cookie breaks into three pieces, eat them without speaking to make the wish come true. Some countries celebrate Epiphany all through January until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday as part of the "carnival" season. In Poland, huge parades are held. The Magi pass out sweets to the children. Families dress in renaissance costumes and they sing carols. Many living nativity scenes are enacted.
The Play Named for the Day
Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" was written for the Epiphany celebration. In England, the day had become a day of revelry and reversal. Servants might dress up as their masters. Men might dress as women. The Lord of Misrule would ask for entertainment and songs as part of the celebration. People might play tricks on each other, similar to April Fools' Day. The English also bake a Twelfth Night Cake, a fruitcake with a bean baked into the cake. The one who found the bean was king for the day. Many bakers include a whole clove, which represented the villain. Spices are liberally used in food for the Epiphany feast, representing the costly spices brought by the Magi.
Most cultures take down their holiday decorations on Epiphany, as this is considered the end of the holiday season. Here in the United States, once Epiphany is over, you can get King's Cakes in Louisiana as part of the celebration leading up to Mardi Gras. Enjoy Epiphany season this year, even if you don't celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
Continue Exploring Christian Traditions
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Frequently Asked Questions About Epiphany
Why is Epiphany celebrated on January 6?
January 6 marks the traditional date commemorating the visit of the Wise Men (or Magi) to the infant Jesus. In many Christian traditions, this event symbolizes the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and the wider world.
What is the connection between Epiphany and the Twelve Days of Christmas?
The Twelve Days of Christmas begin on December 25 and end on January 5. Epiphany falls on the following day, January 6, making it the celebration that concludes the Christmas season in many Christian traditions.
Is Twelfth Night the same as Epiphany?
Twelfth Night traditionally refers to the evening before Epiphany, marking the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas. While closely connected, Twelfth Night and Epiphany are separate observances, with many cultures celebrating each in different ways.
Why do some Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 19?
Many Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar for liturgical observances. January 6 on the Julian calendar corresponds to January 19 on the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world today.
What gifts did the Wise Men bring Jesus, and what do they symbolize?
According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Wise Men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts traditionally symbolize Jesus' kingship (gold), divinity (frankincense), and future suffering and mortality (myrrh).
What are some popular Epiphany traditions around the world?
Epiphany traditions vary widely and include sharing King's Cake or Rosca de Reyes, blessing homes with holy water, swimming for a ceremonial cross, dressing as the Magi, holding parades, singing carols, and enjoying festive meals with family and community.
When should Christmas decorations be taken down?
Many Christian households traditionally remove Christmas decorations on Epiphany, January 6, marking the end of the Christmas season. However, customs vary by country, denomination, and personal preference.
