The Feast of Epiphany
Epiphany, January 6, is celebrated around the Christian world as the day that the three wise men, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar, arrived in Bethlehem to see the Christ child. The holiday is especially popular in Europe.
History of Epiphany
Epiphany has its root in the Eastern Orthodox religion, where it was first mentioned in the year 361. When the Eastern Church split from the Western, the Western Church adopted the day as a celebration of the coming of Christ and the arrival of the wise men. The Eastern Orthodox Church changed the meaning slightly and began marking the day as a celebration of the baptism and life of Christ.
Epiphany Around the World
Today, different Christian cultures celebrate Epiphany in their own way. The Eastern Orthodox church calls it Theopany (or the celebration of one god) and the Oriental Orthodox Church calls the celebration Timkat. In Ireland, the day is called “Little Christmas” and in many predominatly Catholic countries, such as France and Mexico, it is called the “Day of the Kings.”
Celebrating Epiphany
The feast of Epiphany is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In most countries, a “King’s Cake” is baked, usually with dried fruit and nuts. In New Orleans, where Epiphany begins the 21-day Mardi Gras season, a pea is baked into the cake and whomever get the slice of cake with the pea is honored as King (or Queen) for the day.
Gifts are given on Epiphany in many parts of the world. In Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay, children leave their polished shoes out on January 5 to be filled with presents. The children of Puerto Rico fill a box with hay for the kings’ camels, which is exchanged for presents during the night.
As with most of the Christmas story, research indicates that the events surrounding Jesus’ birth actually took place during the summer and that the arrival of the kings happened much later than six days after the birth of Christ. Still the symbolism is appealing and enduring.
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