Difference between revisions of "Epiphany (Christian)" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox Holiday
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[[Image:WiseMenAdorationMurillo.png|thumb|250px|The Wise Men (Magi) adoring the infant Jesus.]]
|holiday_name  = Epiphany
 
|type          = Christian Feast Day
 
|image        = 
 
|caption      =
 
|observedby    = Christians
 
|date          = January 6
 
|celebrations  =
 
|observances  =
 
|relatedto    = [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]]<br/>[[Christmas]]
 
}}
 
[[Image:WiseMenAdorationMurillo.png|thumb|The Wise Men (Magi) adoring the infant Jesus.]]
 
{{Liturgical year}}
 
 
'''Epiphany''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: ''επιφάνεια'', "appearance" or "manifestation") is a [[Christian]] feast intended to celebrate the "shining forth" or revelation of God to mankind in human form, in the person of [[Jesus]]. The feast is also called '''Twelfth Day''', as it is the twelfth day after [[Christmas]].  
 
'''Epiphany''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: ''επιφάνεια'', "appearance" or "manifestation") is a [[Christian]] feast intended to celebrate the "shining forth" or revelation of God to mankind in human form, in the person of [[Jesus]]. The feast is also called '''Twelfth Day''', as it is the twelfth day after [[Christmas]].  
  
In western Christian tradition, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names in various church traditions. In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day (Span: el Dia de los Tres Reyes, la Fiesta de Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag). Because of differences in church calendars, mainly between the Eastern Orthodox and the western Catholic and Protestant traditions, both Christmas and Epiphany have been observed at different times in the past. Today, most of the Eastern Orthodox traditions follow the western church calendar. The exceptions are some Greek Orthodox Churches and related traditions (e.g., Russian and Serbian Orthodox) that still follow the older calendar and celebrate Epiphany as the Theophany on January 19th.
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In western Christian [[tradition]], January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names in various church traditions. In [[Hispanic]] and [[Latin]] [[culture]], as well as some places in [[Europe]], it is known as [[Three Kings’ Day]]. Because of differences in church [[calendar]]s, mainly between the [[Eastern Orthodox]] and the western [[Catholic]] and [[Protestant]] traditions, both Christmas and Epiphany have been observed at different [[time]]s in the past. Some [[Greek Orthodox]] churches and related traditions (e.g., [[Russian]] and [[Serbian Orthodox]]) celebrate Epiphany as the [[Theophany]] on January 19.
 
 
Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day. In following this older custom of counting the days beginning at sundown, the evening of January 5th is the Twelfth Night. This is an occasion for feasting in some cultures, including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA). In some church traditions, only the full days are counted so that January 5th is the Eleventh Day of Christmas, January 6th is the Twelfth Day, and the evening of January 6th is counted as the Twelfth Night.  
 
  
In traditional Christian churches Christmas, as well as Easter, is celebrated as a period of time, a season of the church year, rather than just a day. The Season of Christmas begins with the First Sunday of Advent, marked by expectation and anticipation, and concludes with Epiphany, which looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the Nativity. The one or two Sundays between Christmas Day and Epiphany are sometimes called Christmastide. For many Protestant church traditions, the season of Epiphany extends from January 6th until Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent leading to Easter. Depending on the timing of Easter, this includes from four to nine Sundays. Other traditions, especially the Roman Catholic tradition, observe Epiphany as a single day, with the Sundays following Epiphany counted as Ordinary Time. In some western traditions, the last Sunday of Epiphany is celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday.
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Epiphany is the climax of the [[Advent]]/[[Christmas Season]] and the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]], which are usually counted from the evening of December 25 until the morning of January 6, which is the Twelfth Day. In following this older custom of counting the days beginning at sundown, the evening of January 5 is the Twelfth Night. In traditional Christian churches Christmas, as well as Easter, it is celebrated as a period of time, a season of the church year, rather than just a day. The Season of Christmas begins with the [[First Sunday of Advent]], marked by expectation and anticipation, and concludes with Epiphany, which looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the [[Nativity]]. The one or two Sundays between [[Christmas Day]] and Epiphany are sometimes called [[Christmastide]].  
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For many [[Protestant]] church traditions, the season of Epiphany extends from January 6 until [[Ash Wednesday]], which begins the season of [[Lent]] leading to [[Easter]]. Depending on the timing of Easter, this includes from four to nine Sundays. Other traditions, especially the [[Roman Catholic]] tradition, observe Epiphany as a single day, with the Sundays following Epiphany counted as [[Ordinary Time]]. In some western traditions, the last Sunday of Epiphany is celebrated as [[Transfiguration Sunday]].
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
The observance had its origins in the Eastern Christian churches, and was originally a general celebration of the [[Incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]] of [[Jesus Christ]], and included the commemoration of: his birth; the visit of the [[Biblical Magi|Magi]], or "Wise Men," who arrived in [[Bethlehem]]; all of Jesus' childhood events, up to and including his [[baptism]] in the [[Jordan River|Jordan]] by [[John the Baptist]]; and even the miracle at the [[Wedding at Cana|Wedding of Cana]] in Galilee. However, it seems fairly clear that the Baptism was the event predominantly commemorated.
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[[Image:Gerard van Honthorst 001.jpg|left|thumb|300px|The earliest references to Epiphany in Christian literature indicate it as a celebration of Jesus' birth.]]
 
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{{Liturgical year}}
The date of the feast was very early fixed on January 6. Ancient Liturgies speak of ''Illuminatio, Manifestatio, Declaratio'' (Lighting, Manifestation, Declaration); cf. {{bibleverse||Matthew|3:13–17}}; {{bibleverse||Luke|3:22}}; and {{bibleverse||John|2:1–11}}; where the Baptism and the Marriage at Cana are dwelt upon. Christian Churches have traditionally emphasized the "Revelation to the Gentiles" mentioned in Luke, where the term [[Gentile]] means all non-Jewish peoples. The [[Biblical Magi]] represent the non-Jewish peoples of the world.
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The observance of Epiphany had its origins in the Eastern Christian churches, and was originally a general celebration of the [[Incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]] of [[Jesus Christ]], and included the commemoration of: his birth; the visit of the [[Biblical Magi|Magi]] in [[Bethlehem]]; all of Jesus' childhood events, up to and including his [[baptism]] in the [[Jordan River|Jordan]] by [[John the Baptist]]; and even the miracle at the [[Wedding at Cana|Wedding of Cana]] in Galilee. However, Jesus' baptism was the event predominantly commemorated.
 
 
The earliest reference to Epiphany as a Christian feast was  in the year 361, by [[Ammianus Marcellinus]]. [[Epiphanius of Salamis|St. Epiphanius]] says that the January 6 is ''hemera genethlion toutestin epiphanion'' (Christ's "Birthday; that is, His Epiphany"). In 385, the pilgrim [[Egeria (pilgrim)|Egeria]] (Silvia) describes a celebration in Jerusalem and Bethlehem on January 6 that obviously commemorates the Nativity of Christ. Even at this early date, there is already an [[octave (liturgical)|octave]] associated with the feast.
 
  
In a sermon delivered on December 25, 380, St. [[Gregory of Nazianzus]] somewhat confusingly refers to the day as ''ta theophania'' ("the Theophany," an alternative name for Epiphany) saying expressly that it is a day commmemorating ''he hagia tou Christou gennesis'' ("the holy nativity of Christ"), and tells his listeners that they will soon be celebrating the baptism of Christ. Then, on January 6 and 7, he preached two more sermons wherein he declared that the celebration of the birth of Christ and the visitation of the Magi had already taken place, and that they would now commemorate his Baptism. So at this point the two celebrations are beginning to be separated, at least in [[Cappadocia]].  
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The date of the feast was very early fixed on January 6. The earliest reference to Epiphany as a Christian feast was in the year 361, by [[Ammianus Marcellinus]]. [[Epiphanius of Salamis]] says that the January 6 is ''hemera genethlion toutestin epiphanion'' (Christ's "Birthday; that is, His Epiphany"). In 385, the pilgrim [[Egeria (pilgrim)|Egeria]] describes a celebration in [[Jerusalem]] and Bethlehem on January 6 that obviously commemorates the Nativity of Christ.
  
However, this was not the case everywhere. Saint [[John Cassian]] says that even in his time (beginning of the [[fifth century]]) the Egyptian monasteries still celebrated the Nativity and Baptism together on January 6. The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] still continues to celebrate January 6 as the only commemoration of the Nativity.
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In a sermon delivered on December 25, 380, St. [[Gregory of Nazianzus]] refers to the day as ''ta theophania'' ("the Theophany") saying expressly that it is a day commemorating ''he hagia tou Christou gennesis'' ("the holy nativity of Christ"). In this tradition the baptism of Christ was celebrated separately from the Epiphany. However, this was not the case everywhere. Saint [[John Cassian]] says that even in his time (beginning of the [[fifth century]]) the Egyptian monasteries still celebrated the Nativity and Baptism together on January 6. The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] still continues to celebrate January 6 as the only commemoration of the [[Nativity]].
  
 
==Epiphany in different Christian rites==
 
==Epiphany in different Christian rites==
Epiphany is celebrated by both the Eastern and Western Churches, but a major difference between them is over precisely which historical events the feast commemorates. For Western Christians the feast primarily commemorates the coming of the Magi, while in the East the feast celebrates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan. However, in both cases the essence of the feast is the same: the manifestation of Christ to the world (whether as an infant or in the Jordan), and the Mystery of the [[Incarnation]].
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Epiphany is celebrated by both the Eastern and Western Churches, but a major difference between them is over precisely which historical events the feast commemorates. For Western Christians, the feast primarily commemorates the coming of the [[Magi]], while in the East the feast celebrates the [[baptism]] of Christ in the Jordan. However, in both cases the essence of the feast is the same: the manifestation of Christ to the world (whether as an infant or in the Jordan), and the Mystery of the [[Incarnation]].
  
 
===Western Christian Churches ===
 
===Western Christian Churches ===
By the year 534 the Western church had separated out the celebration of the Nativity of Christ into the feast of [[Christmas]] and set its date as December 25, reserving January 6 as a commemoration of the coming of the Magi. The East continued to celebrate January 6 as a composite feast, only later adopting December 25 to commemorate both Jesus' birth and the coming of the Magi, but leaving January 6 as a commemoration of his Baptism.
 
 
====Liturgical Practice====
 
The West generally acknowledges a 12-day festival, starting on December 25, and ending on January 5, known as [[Christmastide]] or the [[twelve days of Christmas]], although some [[Christian]] cultures, especially those of [[Latin America]] and some in Europe extend it to as many as forty days, ending on [[Candlemas]] (February 2).
 
  
On the Feast of the Epiphany itself, the priest, wearing white vestments, will bless the Epiphany Water, frankincense, gold, and chalk. The chalk is used to write the initials of the three [[magi]] over the doors of churches and homes. Not only do the letters stand for the initials of the Magi (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), but of the phrase ''Christus mansionem benedicat'', which translates as "may Christ bless the house."
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By the year 534 the Western church had separated the celebration of the nativity of Christ into the feast of [[Christmas]] and set its date as December 25, reserving January 6 as a commemoration of the coming of the [[Magi]]. The West generally acknowledges a 12-day festival, starting on December 25, and ending on January 5, known as [[Christmastide]] or the [[twelve days of Christmas]], although some [[Christian]] cultures, especially those of [[Latin America]] and some in Europe extend it to as many as 40 days, ending on [[Candlemas]] (February 2).
  
====Date of Commemoration====
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On the Feast of the Epiphany, the priest, wearing white vestments, will bless the Epiphany Water, frankincense, gold, and chalk. The chalk is used to write the initials of the three [[magi]] over the doors of churches and homes. Not only do the letters stand for the initials of the Magi (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), but of the phrase ''Christus mansionem benedicat'', which translates as "may Christ bless the house."
Prior to the [[Mass of Paul VI|reforms of 1970]], the [[Roman Catholic Church]] (and prior to 1976, the [[Anglican]] churches) celebrated Epiphany as an eight-day feast beginning on January 6 and continuing through the ''Octave of Epiphany'', or January 13. Many continue to use this calendar, celebrating the feast of the [[Holy Family]] on the Sunday within the octave.  
 
  
More recently, many Americans mark Epiphany on the Sunday after the first Saturday in January (before this the Sunday between January 1 and January 6 in years when there was one, was designated the [[Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus]]), and most Roman Catholics in the United States (along with many [[Protestants]]) now formally end the [[Christmastide|Christmas season]] with the [[Baptism of the Lord]], after which the first period of [[Ordinary Time]] begins. (But note that some Churches, such as the [[Anglican Catholic Church]], and some [[Roman Catholics]] in other countries (e.g., Italy, Spain, the Vatican), still maintain the pre-1970 calendar; for these bodies, Christmas still has twelve days and ends on January 5, and Epiphany is still celebrated on January 6 with an 8-day octave.) Since 2007 the [[Roman Catholic]] Church in [[England]] & [[Wales]] celebrates the Epiphany on the Sunday closest to 6 January.
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Prior to the [[Mass of Paul VI|reforms of 1970]], (and prior to 1976 in the [[Anglican]] churches) the [[Roman Catholic Church]] celebrated Epiphany as an eight-day feast beginning on January 6 and continuing through the ''Octave of Epiphany'', or January 13. Many continue to use this calendar, celebrating the feast of the [[Holy Family]] on the Sunday within the octave.  
  
In the [[Church of England]], the Epiphany is classified as a [[Principal Feast]] and is observed on 6 January or on the Sunday between January 2 and 8. There is also an Epiphany season, observed between the season of Christmas and the first period of Ordinary Time. It begins at [[Evening Prayer (Anglican)|Evening Prayer]] on the Eve of the Epiphany and ends at Evening Prayer (or [[Compline|Night Prayer]]) on the Feast of the Presentation (which may be celebrated on February 2, or the Sunday between January 28 and February 3).
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More recently, many Americans mark Epiphany on the Sunday after the first Saturday in January, and most Roman Catholics in the United States (along with many [[Protestants]]) now formally end the [[Christmastide|Christmas season]] with the [[Baptism of the Lord]], after which the first period of [[Ordinary Time]] begins. Since 2007, the [[Roman Catholic]] Church in [[England]] and [[Wales]] celebrates the Epiphany on the Sunday closest to January 6.
  
The West generally acknowledges a 12-day festival, starting on December 25, and ending on January 5, known as [[Christmastide]] or the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]], although some Christian cultures, especially those of Latin America and some in Europe extend it to as many as forty days, ending on [[Candlemas]] (February 2).
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In the [[Church of England]], the Epiphany is classified as a [[Principal Feast]] and is observed on January 6 or on the Sunday between January 2 and 8. There is also an Epiphany season, observed between the season of Christmas and the first period of Ordinary Time. It begins at [[Evening Prayer (Anglican)|Evening Prayer]] on the Eve of the Epiphany and ends at Evening Prayer (or [[Compline|Night Prayer]]) on the Feast of the Presentation (which may be celebrated on February 2, or the Sunday between January 28 and February 3).
  
 
===Eastern Christian churches===
 
===Eastern Christian churches===
[[Image:Icon 03033 Bogoyavlenie. Kreschenie. Seredina XVII v. Ukraina.jpg|thumb|left|[[Eastern Orthodox]] icon depicting the baptism of Jesus.]]
 
 
Usually called the '''Feast of [[Theophany]]''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Θεοφάνεια, "God shining forth" or "divine manifestation"), it is one of the [[Great Feasts]] of the [[liturgical year]], being third in rank, behind only [[Pascha]] (Easter) and [[Pentecost]] in importance. Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 6 (the date of January 6 on the [[Julian Calendar]] used by most Orthodox falls on January 19 of the modern [[Gregorian Calendar]]).
 
  
The first reference to the feast in the Eastern Church is a remark by [[Clement of Alexandria|St. Clement of Alexandria]] in ''[[Stromata|Stromateis]]'', I, xxi, 45:
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Usually called the '''Feast of [[Theophany]]''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Θεοφάνεια, "God shining forth" or "divine manifestation"), the holiday is one of the [[Great Feasts]] of the [[liturgical year]], being third in rank, behind only [[Pascha]] (Easter) and [[Pentecost]] in importance. Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 6 (the date of January 6 on the [[Julian Calendar]] used by most Orthodox, but falls on January 19 of the modern [[Gregorian Calendar]]). 
  
<blockquote>And there are those who have determined not only the year of our Lord's birth, but also the day… And the followers of Basilides hold the day of his baptism as a festival, spending the night before in readings. And they say that it was the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, the fifteenth day of the month Tubi; and some that it was the eleventh of the same month.</blockquote>
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Today in [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches, the emphasis at this feast is on the shining forth and revelation of Jesus Christ as the [[Messiah]] and second person of the [[Holy Trinity]] at the time of his baptism.  It is also celebrated because, according to tradition, the baptism of Jesus marked the only occasion when all three persons of the Trinity manifested their physical presence simultaneously to humanity: God the Father by speaking through the clouds, God the Son being baptized in the river, and God the [[Holy Spirit]] in the shape of a dove descending from heaven. Thus, the holy day is considered to be a Trinitarian feast.  
  
(The eleventh and fifteenth of Tubi are January 6 and 10, respectively.)
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The Orthodox Churches perform the [[Holy water#Great Blessing of Waters at Theophany|Great Blessing of the Waters]] on Theophany. The blessing is normally done twice: once on the eve of the feast—usually at a font inside the church—and then again on the day of the feast outdoors at a body of water. Following the [[Divine Liturgy]], the clergy and people go in a [[Crucession|Cross procession]] to the nearest body of water, be it a beach, harbor, quay, river, lake, swimming pool, water depot, etc., and after a short ceremony the priest will bless the waters. In the Greek practice, he does this by casting a cross into the water. If swimming is feasible on the spot, any number of volunteers may brave the cold winter waters and try to recover the cross. The person who gets the cross first swims back and returns it to the priest, who then delivers a special blessing to the swimmer and their household.   
 
 
[[Origen]]'s list of festivals (in ''[[Contra Celsum]]'', VIII, xxii) omits any reference to Epiphany. The first reference to an ecclesiastical feast of the Epiphany, in [[Ammianus Marcellinus]] (XXI:ii), is in 361. 
 
 
 
Today in [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches, the emphasis at this feast is on the shining forth and revelation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and second person of the [[Holy Trinity]] at the time of his baptism.  It is also celebrated because, according to tradition, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist marked the only occasion when all three persons of the Holy Trinity manifested their physical presence simultaneously to humanity: God the Father by speaking through the clouds, God the Son being baptized in the river, and God the [[Holy Spirit]] in the shape of a dove descending from heaven. Thus, the holy day is considered to be a Trinitarian feast.
 
 
 
The Orthodox consider Jesus' Baptism to be the first step towards the [[Crucifixion of Jesus|Crucifixion]], and there are some parallels in the hymnography used on this day and the hymns chanted on [[Good Friday]]. On the eve of the Feast the [[Royal Hours]] are celebrated, thus tying together the feasts of [[Christmas|Nativity]] and Good Friday.
 
 
 
====Liturgical Practice====
 
'''Blessing of Waters''' The Orthodox Churches perform the [[Holy water#Great Blessing of Waters at Theophany|Great Blessing of the Waters]] on Theophany. The blessing is normally done twice: once on the eve of the feast—usually at a font inside the church—and then again on the day of the feast outdoors at a body of water. Following the [[Divine Liturgy]], the clergy and people go in a [[Crucession|Cross procession]] to the nearest body of water, be it a beach, harbor, quay, river, lake, swimming pool, water depot, etc., and after a short ceremony the priest will bless the waters. In the Greek practice, he does this by casting a cross into the water. If swimming is feasible on the spot, any number of volunteers may brave the cold winter waters and try to recover the cross. The person who gets the cross first swims back and returns it to the priest, who then delivers a special blessing to the swimmer and their household.   
 
 
 
Certain such ceremonies have achieved particular prominence, such as the one held annually at [[Tarpon Springs]], Florida. In Russia, where the winters are severe, a hole will be cut into the ice so that the waters may be blessed. In such conditions, the cross is not cast into the water, but is held securely by the priest and dipped three times into the water.
 
  
 
The water that is blessed on this day is known as "Theophany Water" and is taken home by the faithful, and used with prayer as a blessing. People will not only bless themselves and their homes by sprinkling with Theophany Water, but will also drink it. The Orthodox Church teaches that Theophany Water differs from regular [[Holy water|Holy Water]] in that with Theophany Water, the very nature of the water is changed and becomes incorrupt, a miracle attested to as early as [[John Chrysostom|St. John Chrysostom]].  
 
The water that is blessed on this day is known as "Theophany Water" and is taken home by the faithful, and used with prayer as a blessing. People will not only bless themselves and their homes by sprinkling with Theophany Water, but will also drink it. The Orthodox Church teaches that Theophany Water differs from regular [[Holy water|Holy Water]] in that with Theophany Water, the very nature of the water is changed and becomes incorrupt, a miracle attested to as early as [[John Chrysostom|St. John Chrysostom]].  
  
Theophany is a traditional day for performing [[Baptism]]s, and this is reflected in the [[Divine Liturgy]] by singing the baptismal hymn, "As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia," in place of the [[Trisagion]].
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Theophany is a traditional day for performing [[baptism]]s, and this is reflected in the [[Divine Liturgy]] by singing the baptismal [[hymn]], "As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia," in place of the [[Trisagion]].
  
'''House Blessings''' On Theophany the priest will begin making the round of the parishioner's homes to bless them. He will perform a short prayer service in each home, and then go through the entire house, gardens and outside-buildings, blessing them with the newly blessed Theophany Water, while all sing the [[Troparion]] and [[Kontakion]] of the feast. This is normally done on Theophany, or at least during the [[Afterfeast]], but if the parishioners are numerous, and especially if many live far away from the church, it may take some time to bless each house. Traditionally, these blessings should all be finished before the beginning of [[Great Lent]]).
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''House Blessings'': On Theophany the priest will begin making the round of the parishioner's homes to bless them. He will perform a short prayer service in each home, and then go through the entire house, gardens and outside-buildings, blessing them with the newly blessed Theophany Water, while all sing the ''[[Troparion]]'' and ''[[Kontakion]]'' of the feast.
  
 
The Feast of Theophany is followed by an eight-day festival on which the normal fasting laws are suspended. The Saturday and Sunday after Theophany have special readings assigned to them, which relate to the [[Temptation of Jesus|Temptation of Christ]] and to penance and perseverance in the Christian struggle. There is thus a liturgical continuum between the Feast of Theophany and Great Lent.
 
The Feast of Theophany is followed by an eight-day festival on which the normal fasting laws are suspended. The Saturday and Sunday after Theophany have special readings assigned to them, which relate to the [[Temptation of Jesus|Temptation of Christ]] and to penance and perseverance in the Christian struggle. There is thus a liturgical continuum between the Feast of Theophany and Great Lent.
  
 
===Oriental Christian Churches===
 
===Oriental Christian Churches===
[[Image:Timket Ceremony Gondar Ethio.jpg|thumb|A priest is holding a [[Tabot]] in a Timket (Epiphany) ceremony at Gondar, Ethiopia, at which water will be blessed.]]
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[[Image:Timket Ceremony Gondar Ethio.jpg|thumb|250px|A priest is holding a [[Tabot]] in a Timket (Epiphany) ceremony at Gondar, Ethiopia, at which water will be blessed.]]
{{Main|Timkat}}
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In the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Church]], the feast is known as ''[[Timkat]]'' and is celebrated on January 19 (or January 20, if that year is a [[Leap Year]] according to the [[Ethiopian calendar]]). The celebration of this feast features a Blessing of Waters and solemn processions with the sacred [[Tabot]].  
In the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Church]], the feast is known as ''[[Timkat]]'' and is celebrated on January 19 (or January 20, if that year is a [[Leap Year]] according to the [[Ethiopian calendar]]). The celebration of this feast features Blessing of Waters and solemn processions with the sacred [[Tabot]].  
 
  
 
Among the [[Syriac Christians]] the feast is called ''denho'' (up-going), a name to be connected with the notion of rising light expressed in {{bibleverse||Luke|1:78}}.
 
Among the [[Syriac Christians]] the feast is called ''denho'' (up-going), a name to be connected with the notion of rising light expressed in {{bibleverse||Luke|1:78}}.
  
In the [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenian Church]], January 6 is celebrated as the Nativity ''(Sourp Dznount)'' and Theophany of Christ. The feast is preceded by a seven-day fast. On the eve of the feast, the [[Divine Liturgy]] is celebrated. This Liturgy is referred to as the ''Jrakaloutz Badarak'' (the Eucharist of the lighting of the lamps) in honor of the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God. This Liturgy is followed by a Blessing of Waters, during which the cross is immersed in the water, symbolizing Jesus' descent into the Jordan, and holy ''muron'' ([[chrism]]) poured in, symbolic of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus. The next morning, after the Liturgy, the cross is removed from the vessel of Holy Water and all come forward to kiss the cross and partake of the blessed water.
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In the [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenian Church]], January 6 is celebrated as the Nativity ''(Sourp Dznount)'' and Theophany of Christ. The feast is preceded by a seven-day fast. On the eve of the feast, the [[Divine Liturgy]] is celebrated. This Liturgy is referred to as the ''Jrakaloutz Badarak'' (the Eucharist of the lighting of the lamps) in honor of the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God. This Liturgy is followed by a Blessing of Waters, during which the cross is immersed in the water, symbolizing Jesus' descent into the Jordan, and holy ''muron'' ([[chrism]]) poured in, symbolic of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus. The next morning, after the liturgy, the cross is removed from the vessel of Holy Water and all come forward to kiss the cross and partake of the blessed water.
  
 
==Local Customs==
 
==Local Customs==
In Rome, "Epiphania" was transformed into Befana, the great fair held at that season, when sigillaria of terracotta or baked pastry were sold ([[Macrobius]] I, x, xxiv; II, xlix).
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*In [[Rome]], "Epiphania" was transformed through mispronunciation into ''[[Befana]]'', the great fair held at that season, when sigillaria of terracotta or baked pastry were sold ([[Macrobius]] I, x, xxiv; II, xlix). [[La Befana]] is a character in [[Italy|Italian]] folklore, similar to [[Santa Claus]].  
  
In some European cultures, the greenery put up at Christmas is taken down at Epiphany, in other cultures it remains up until the [[Candlemas|Meeting of the Lord]] (February 2).
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*In some European cultures, the greenery put up at [[Christmas]] is taken down at Epiphany, in other cultures it remains up until the [[Candlemas|Meeting of the Lord]] (February 2).
  
The Irish call this day [[Little Christmas]] or "Women's Christmas" ([[Irish language|Irish]]: Nollaig na mBan).  
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*The Irish call this day [[Little Christmas]] or "Women's Christmas" ([[Irish language|Irish]]: Nollaig na mBan).  
  
The Dutch call this day ''Driekoningendag'' (Three Kings' Day).
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*The [[Netherlands|Dutch]] call this day ''Driekoningendag'' (Three Kings' Day).
  
In France, on Epiphany people eat the ''gâteau des Rois'' in [[Provence]] or the ''galette des Rois'' in the northern half of [[France]] and [[Belgium]]. This is a kind of [[king cake]], with a trinket or a bean hidden inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket becomes king for a year.
+
*In France, on Epiphany people eat the ''gâteau des Rois'' in [[Provence]] or the ''galette des Rois'' in the northern half of [[France]] and [[Belgium]]. This is a kind of [[king cake]], with a trinket or a bean hidden inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket becomes "king" for a year.
  
In [[Spain]], [[Mexico]], [[Cuba]], [[Puerto Rico]] and some other [[Latin America]]n countries Epiphany day is called '''El Día de los Reyes''' (The Day of the Kings). The day when a group of Kings or Magi of the Bible arrived to worship and bring three gifts to the baby Jesus after following a star in the heavens. This day is sometimes known as the '''[[Día de los Tres Reyes Magos]]''' (The day of the Three Royal [[Magi]]) or '''La Pascua de los Negros''' (Holy Day of the Blackmen) in [[Chile]], although the latter is rarely heard.  In Spanish tradition, on the day of January 6th, three of the Kings: Melchor, Caspar, and Balthazar, representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa, arrived on horse, camel and elephant, bringing respectively gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
+
[[Image:MardiGras2002 King Cake cut.jpg|thumb|250px|New Orleans-style "kings cake"]]
  
In Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay, children (and many adults) polish and leave their shoes ready for the Kings' presents before they go to bed on January 5. Sweet wine, nibbles, fruit, and milk are left for the Kings and their camels. In [[Mexico]], it is traditional for children to leave their shoes on the eve of January 6 by the family nativity scene or by their beds. Also a letter with toy requests is left and sometimes the shoes are filled with hay for the [[camel]]s, so that the Kings will be generous with their gifts. In [[Puerto Rico]], it is traditional for children to fill a box with grass or hay and put it underneath their bed, for the same reasons. In some parts of northern Mexico the shoes are left under the Christmas tree with a letter to the Three Kings. This is analogous to children leaving mince pies or cookies and milk out for [[Father Christmas]] in Western Europe.
+
*In [[Spain]], [[Mexico]], [[Cuba]], [[Puerto Rico]], and some other [[Latin America]]n countries Epiphany day is called '''El Día de los Reyes''' (The Day of the Kings). In Spanish tradition, on the day of January 6, Melchiore, Caspar, and Balthazar—representing [[Europe]], [[Arabia]], and [[Africa]]—arrived on [[horse]], [[camel]], and [[elephant]], bringing respectively [[gold]], [[frankincense]], and [[myrrh]] to the baby Jesus.
  
In the afternoon or evening of the same day the ritual of the ''Rosca de Reyes'' is shared with family and friends. The ''Rosca'' is a type of sweet-bread made with orange blossom water and butter, and decorated with candied fruit. Baked inside is a small doll representing the baby Jesus. The person who finds the doll in his piece of rosca must throw a party on February 2, "Candelaria Day," offering [[tamales]] and [[atole]] (a hot sweet drink thickened with corn flour) to the guests. In [[Spain]], the bread is known as ''Roscón''; made with the same items, traditionally the roscón was simply a round sweetbread with candied fruit on top, however, recently, different flavored whipped creams are used as filling. The 'Jesus' doll evolved into a small toy similar to a Kinder Surprise it also includes a bean. The person who gets the toy is then crowned king for the day, while the person who finds the bean is responsible for paying for the Roscon.
+
*In Spain, [[Argentina]], and [[Uruguay]], children (and many adults) polish and leave their shoes ready for the Kings' presents before they go to bed on January 5. Sweet wine, nibbles, fruit, and milk are left for the kings and their camels. In [[Mexico]], it is traditional for children to leave their shoes on the eve of January 6 by the family nativity scene or by their beds. Also a letter with toy requests is left and sometimes the shoes are filled with hay for the [[camel]]s, so that the kings will be generous with their gifts. In [[Puerto Rico]], it is traditional for children to fill a box with grass or hay and put it underneath their bed, for the same reasons. In some parts of northern Mexico the shoes are left under the Christmas tree with a letter to the Three Kings. This is analogous to children leaving mince pies or cookies and milk out for [[Father Christmas]] in Western Europe.
  
In [[Louisiana]], Epiphany is the beginning of the [[Mardi Gras]] season, during which it is customary to bake [[King Cake]]s, similar to the Rosca mentioned above. The one who finds the doll (or bean) must provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as "king cake season."
+
*In the afternoon or evening of the same day, the ritual of the ''Rosca de Reyes'' is shared with family and friends. The ''Rosca'' is a type of sweet-bread made with orange blossom water and butter, and decorated with candied fruit. Baked inside is a small doll representing the baby Jesus. The person who finds the doll in his piece of rosca must throw a party on February 2, "Candelaria Day," offering [[tamales]] and [[atole]] (a hot sweet drink thickened with corn flour) to the guests. In [[Spain]], the bread is known as ''Roscón''; made with the same items, traditionally the roscón was simply a round sweetbread with candied fruit on top, however, recently, different flavored whipped creams are used as filling.
 +
 
 +
*In [[Louisiana]], Epiphany is the beginning of the [[Mardi Gras]] season, during which it is customary to bake [[King Cake]]s, similar to the Rosca mentioned above. The one who finds the doll (or bean) must provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as "king cake season."
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
*Peterson, Eugen H., & Griffin, Emilie.'' Epiphanies: Stories for the Christian Year'', Baker Books, 2003. ISBN 978-0801064463
+
* Lawler, Thomas Comerford. ''St. Augustine: Sermons for Christmas and Epiphany''. Paulist Press, 1978. ISBN 9780809101375
*Lawler, Thomas Comerford. ''St. Augustine: Sermons for Christmas and Epiphany'', Paulist Press, 1978. ISBN 978-0809101375O
+
* Peterson, Eugen H., and Emilie Griffin.'' Epiphanies: Stories for the Christian Year''. Baker Books, 2003. ISBN 9780801064463
*Steffler, Alva William. ''Symbols of the Christian Faith'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002. ISBN 978-0802846761  
+
* Steffler, Alva William. ''Symbols of the Christian Faith''. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002. ISBN 9780802846761  
*Svoboda, Melannie. ''Everyday Epiphanies: Seeing the Sacred in Every Thing'', Twenty-Third Publications, 1997. ISBN 978-0896227309
+
* Svoboda, Melannie. ''Everyday Epiphanies: Seeing the Sacred in Every Thing''. Twenty-Third Publications, 1997. ISBN 9780896227309
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05504c.htm ''Catholic Encyclopedia'':] Epiphany  
+
All links retrieved August 19, 2017.
*[http://www.cresourcei.org/cyepiph.html The Epiphany Season] at the Christian Resource Institute
+
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05504c.htm ''Catholic Encyclopedia'':] Epiphany. ''www.newadvent.org''.
*[http://www.armenianchurch.net/worship/christmas/armenia.html Armenian Theophany]
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
{{Credit|144584308}}
 
{{Credit|144584308}}

Revision as of 16:26, 15 February 2021


The Wise Men (Magi) adoring the infant Jesus.

Epiphany (Greek: επιφάνεια, "appearance" or "manifestation") is a Christian feast intended to celebrate the "shining forth" or revelation of God to mankind in human form, in the person of Jesus. The feast is also called Twelfth Day, as it is the twelfth day after Christmas.

In western Christian tradition, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names in various church traditions. In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day. Because of differences in church calendars, mainly between the Eastern Orthodox and the western Catholic and Protestant traditions, both Christmas and Epiphany have been observed at different times in the past. Some Greek Orthodox churches and related traditions (e.g., Russian and Serbian Orthodox) celebrate Epiphany as the Theophany on January 19.

Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25 until the morning of January 6, which is the Twelfth Day. In following this older custom of counting the days beginning at sundown, the evening of January 5 is the Twelfth Night. In traditional Christian churches Christmas, as well as Easter, it is celebrated as a period of time, a season of the church year, rather than just a day. The Season of Christmas begins with the First Sunday of Advent, marked by expectation and anticipation, and concludes with Epiphany, which looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the Nativity. The one or two Sundays between Christmas Day and Epiphany are sometimes called Christmastide.

For many Protestant church traditions, the season of Epiphany extends from January 6 until Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent leading to Easter. Depending on the timing of Easter, this includes from four to nine Sundays. Other traditions, especially the Roman Catholic tradition, observe Epiphany as a single day, with the Sundays following Epiphany counted as Ordinary Time. In some western traditions, the last Sunday of Epiphany is celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday.

History

The earliest references to Epiphany in Christian literature indicate it as a celebration of Jesus' birth.
Liturgical year
Western
Eastern
  • Feast of Cross
  • Nativity Fast
  • Nativity
  • Theophany
  • Great Lent
  • Pascha
  • Pentecost
  • Transfiguration
  • Dormition
  • Protection

The observance of Epiphany had its origins in the Eastern Christian churches, and was originally a general celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and included the commemoration of: his birth; the visit of the Magi in Bethlehem; all of Jesus' childhood events, up to and including his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist; and even the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. However, Jesus' baptism was the event predominantly commemorated.

The date of the feast was very early fixed on January 6. The earliest reference to Epiphany as a Christian feast was in the year 361, by Ammianus Marcellinus. Epiphanius of Salamis says that the January 6 is hemera genethlion toutestin epiphanion (Christ's "Birthday; that is, His Epiphany"). In 385, the pilgrim Egeria describes a celebration in Jerusalem and Bethlehem on January 6 that obviously commemorates the Nativity of Christ.

In a sermon delivered on December 25, 380, St. Gregory of Nazianzus refers to the day as ta theophania ("the Theophany") saying expressly that it is a day commemorating he hagia tou Christou gennesis ("the holy nativity of Christ"). In this tradition the baptism of Christ was celebrated separately from the Epiphany. However, this was not the case everywhere. Saint John Cassian says that even in his time (beginning of the fifth century) the Egyptian monasteries still celebrated the Nativity and Baptism together on January 6. The Armenian Apostolic Church still continues to celebrate January 6 as the only commemoration of the Nativity.

Epiphany in different Christian rites

Epiphany is celebrated by both the Eastern and Western Churches, but a major difference between them is over precisely which historical events the feast commemorates. For Western Christians, the feast primarily commemorates the coming of the Magi, while in the East the feast celebrates the baptism of Christ in the Jordan. However, in both cases the essence of the feast is the same: the manifestation of Christ to the world (whether as an infant or in the Jordan), and the Mystery of the Incarnation.

Western Christian Churches

By the year 534 the Western church had separated the celebration of the nativity of Christ into the feast of Christmas and set its date as December 25, reserving January 6 as a commemoration of the coming of the Magi. The West generally acknowledges a 12-day festival, starting on December 25, and ending on January 5, known as Christmastide or the twelve days of Christmas, although some Christian cultures, especially those of Latin America and some in Europe extend it to as many as 40 days, ending on Candlemas (February 2).

On the Feast of the Epiphany, the priest, wearing white vestments, will bless the Epiphany Water, frankincense, gold, and chalk. The chalk is used to write the initials of the three magi over the doors of churches and homes. Not only do the letters stand for the initials of the Magi (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), but of the phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, which translates as "may Christ bless the house."

Prior to the reforms of 1970, (and prior to 1976 in the Anglican churches) the Roman Catholic Church celebrated Epiphany as an eight-day feast beginning on January 6 and continuing through the Octave of Epiphany, or January 13. Many continue to use this calendar, celebrating the feast of the Holy Family on the Sunday within the octave.

More recently, many Americans mark Epiphany on the Sunday after the first Saturday in January, and most Roman Catholics in the United States (along with many Protestants) now formally end the Christmas season with the Baptism of the Lord, after which the first period of Ordinary Time begins. Since 2007, the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates the Epiphany on the Sunday closest to January 6.

In the Church of England, the Epiphany is classified as a Principal Feast and is observed on January 6 or on the Sunday between January 2 and 8. There is also an Epiphany season, observed between the season of Christmas and the first period of Ordinary Time. It begins at Evening Prayer on the Eve of the Epiphany and ends at Evening Prayer (or Night Prayer) on the Feast of the Presentation (which may be celebrated on February 2, or the Sunday between January 28 and February 3).

Eastern Christian churches

Usually called the Feast of Theophany (Greek: Θεοφάνεια, "God shining forth" or "divine manifestation"), the holiday is one of the Great Feasts of the liturgical year, being third in rank, behind only Pascha (Easter) and Pentecost in importance. Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 6 (the date of January 6 on the Julian Calendar used by most Orthodox, but falls on January 19 of the modern Gregorian Calendar).

Today in Eastern Orthodox churches, the emphasis at this feast is on the shining forth and revelation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and second person of the Holy Trinity at the time of his baptism. It is also celebrated because, according to tradition, the baptism of Jesus marked the only occasion when all three persons of the Trinity manifested their physical presence simultaneously to humanity: God the Father by speaking through the clouds, God the Son being baptized in the river, and God the Holy Spirit in the shape of a dove descending from heaven. Thus, the holy day is considered to be a Trinitarian feast.

The Orthodox Churches perform the Great Blessing of the Waters on Theophany. The blessing is normally done twice: once on the eve of the feast—usually at a font inside the church—and then again on the day of the feast outdoors at a body of water. Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy and people go in a Cross procession to the nearest body of water, be it a beach, harbor, quay, river, lake, swimming pool, water depot, etc., and after a short ceremony the priest will bless the waters. In the Greek practice, he does this by casting a cross into the water. If swimming is feasible on the spot, any number of volunteers may brave the cold winter waters and try to recover the cross. The person who gets the cross first swims back and returns it to the priest, who then delivers a special blessing to the swimmer and their household.

The water that is blessed on this day is known as "Theophany Water" and is taken home by the faithful, and used with prayer as a blessing. People will not only bless themselves and their homes by sprinkling with Theophany Water, but will also drink it. The Orthodox Church teaches that Theophany Water differs from regular Holy Water in that with Theophany Water, the very nature of the water is changed and becomes incorrupt, a miracle attested to as early as St. John Chrysostom.

Theophany is a traditional day for performing baptisms, and this is reflected in the Divine Liturgy by singing the baptismal hymn, "As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia," in place of the Trisagion.

House Blessings: On Theophany the priest will begin making the round of the parishioner's homes to bless them. He will perform a short prayer service in each home, and then go through the entire house, gardens and outside-buildings, blessing them with the newly blessed Theophany Water, while all sing the Troparion and Kontakion of the feast.

The Feast of Theophany is followed by an eight-day festival on which the normal fasting laws are suspended. The Saturday and Sunday after Theophany have special readings assigned to them, which relate to the Temptation of Christ and to penance and perseverance in the Christian struggle. There is thus a liturgical continuum between the Feast of Theophany and Great Lent.

Oriental Christian Churches

A priest is holding a Tabot in a Timket (Epiphany) ceremony at Gondar, Ethiopia, at which water will be blessed.

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the feast is known as Timkat and is celebrated on January 19 (or January 20, if that year is a Leap Year according to the Ethiopian calendar). The celebration of this feast features a Blessing of Waters and solemn processions with the sacred Tabot.

Among the Syriac Christians the feast is called denho (up-going), a name to be connected with the notion of rising light expressed in Luke 1:78.

In the Armenian Church, January 6 is celebrated as the Nativity (Sourp Dznount) and Theophany of Christ. The feast is preceded by a seven-day fast. On the eve of the feast, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. This Liturgy is referred to as the Jrakaloutz Badarak (the Eucharist of the lighting of the lamps) in honor of the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God. This Liturgy is followed by a Blessing of Waters, during which the cross is immersed in the water, symbolizing Jesus' descent into the Jordan, and holy muron (chrism) poured in, symbolic of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus. The next morning, after the liturgy, the cross is removed from the vessel of Holy Water and all come forward to kiss the cross and partake of the blessed water.

Local Customs

  • In Rome, "Epiphania" was transformed through mispronunciation into Befana, the great fair held at that season, when sigillaria of terracotta or baked pastry were sold (Macrobius I, x, xxiv; II, xlix). La Befana is a character in Italian folklore, similar to Santa Claus.
  • In some European cultures, the greenery put up at Christmas is taken down at Epiphany, in other cultures it remains up until the Meeting of the Lord (February 2).
  • The Irish call this day Little Christmas or "Women's Christmas" (Irish: Nollaig na mBan).
  • The Dutch call this day Driekoningendag (Three Kings' Day).
  • In France, on Epiphany people eat the gâteau des Rois in Provence or the galette des Rois in the northern half of France and Belgium. This is a kind of king cake, with a trinket or a bean hidden inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket becomes "king" for a year.
New Orleans-style "kings cake"
  • In Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and some other Latin American countries Epiphany day is called El Día de los Reyes (The Day of the Kings). In Spanish tradition, on the day of January 6, Melchiore, Caspar, and Balthazar—representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa—arrived on horse, camel, and elephant, bringing respectively gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
  • In Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay, children (and many adults) polish and leave their shoes ready for the Kings' presents before they go to bed on January 5. Sweet wine, nibbles, fruit, and milk are left for the kings and their camels. In Mexico, it is traditional for children to leave their shoes on the eve of January 6 by the family nativity scene or by their beds. Also a letter with toy requests is left and sometimes the shoes are filled with hay for the camels, so that the kings will be generous with their gifts. In Puerto Rico, it is traditional for children to fill a box with grass or hay and put it underneath their bed, for the same reasons. In some parts of northern Mexico the shoes are left under the Christmas tree with a letter to the Three Kings. This is analogous to children leaving mince pies or cookies and milk out for Father Christmas in Western Europe.
  • In the afternoon or evening of the same day, the ritual of the Rosca de Reyes is shared with family and friends. The Rosca is a type of sweet-bread made with orange blossom water and butter, and decorated with candied fruit. Baked inside is a small doll representing the baby Jesus. The person who finds the doll in his piece of rosca must throw a party on February 2, "Candelaria Day," offering tamales and atole (a hot sweet drink thickened with corn flour) to the guests. In Spain, the bread is known as Roscón; made with the same items, traditionally the roscón was simply a round sweetbread with candied fruit on top, however, recently, different flavored whipped creams are used as filling.
  • In Louisiana, Epiphany is the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, during which it is customary to bake King Cakes, similar to the Rosca mentioned above. The one who finds the doll (or bean) must provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as "king cake season."

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Lawler, Thomas Comerford. St. Augustine: Sermons for Christmas and Epiphany. Paulist Press, 1978. ISBN 9780809101375
  • Peterson, Eugen H., and Emilie Griffin. Epiphanies: Stories for the Christian Year. Baker Books, 2003. ISBN 9780801064463
  • Steffler, Alva William. Symbols of the Christian Faith. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002. ISBN 9780802846761
  • Svoboda, Melannie. Everyday Epiphanies: Seeing the Sacred in Every Thing. Twenty-Third Publications, 1997. ISBN 9780896227309

External links

All links retrieved August 19, 2017.

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