Epiphany falls on January 6th every year. This day is celebrated to mark the official end to the festive season for Christians. It is also known as the “Three Kings Day”. These celebrations first started in the 4th century. People associated it with the visit of the Magi.
The term Epiphany has been derived from the Greek language and it means ‘manifestation’. This day also marks a visit to the baby Jesus by three kings or wise men. The three kings Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar represented Africa, Europe and Arabia respectively.
Fast Facts: –
- It was a tradition to serve roast lamb at Epiphany in honor of Christ and the wise men.
- The three kings or the wise men followed a star to reach the baby Jesus.
- This festival commemorates the revealing of Christ to the Gentile world.
- People take part in various activities on this day including singing holiday carols called Aguinaldo.
- In some European locations children leave their shoes out during the night to be filled with gifts of their choices.
- In countries including Czech Republic and Slovakia, small kids dress as the three kings and visit houses.
- Eastern Christians most commonly call Epiphany “Theophany” which means ‘manifestation of god’.
- In some Protestant churches the season of Epiphany extends from January 6th until Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.
