Epiphany or Theophany

Epiphany is the holiday that falls on the final day of Christmas. I have been researching  what it is, and how we commemorate it. This is what I’ve discovered:

Following the 12th day of Christmas, believers remove their holiday decorations. But they never let January 6 go by without another festival related to Christmas, or January 19 for many Orthodox Christians who continue to follow the Julian calendar.

The Epiphany holiday, which has its roots in the biblical narratives of Jesus Christ's birth and baptism, offers Christians an opportunity to consider the nature of God's earthly manifestation and to honour three significant visitors mentioned in the St Matthew’s account of  Jesus' birth.

The celebration takes place in the Christmas season. However, Christian tradition is a bit muddled about how long the feast as opposed to the season  of Christmas lasts: Christmas can be celebrated as a single day, as an octave, or eight day period, or since 567 AD and the Council of Tours, a 12-day period that concludes on the eve of Epiphany (Twelfth Night), or as an extended season that continues until Candlemas, a Christian holiday that commemorates the presentation of Jesus Christ in the temple, held on 2 February or the nearest Sunday.

Different Christian communities commemorate Epiphany in different ways. Here are some facts about Epiphany, which is also known as Theophany or the Three Kings Day.

The Sources of Epiphany

Although it goes by many names in different cultures and nations, the Christian church's belief that Jesus Christ was God made flesh, and was then shown to the world gives rise to the celebration of Epiphany.

According to the earliest documented accounts of the Christian ceremony, it was widely practised by the fourth century A.D. Theologian Clement of Alexandria noted in the 200s that the Basilidians, a group of Syrian Gnostic Christians, observed Christ's baptism in January. Ammianus Marcellinus, a Roman historian, recorded in 361 that Christians referred to the January celebration as ‘Epiphany’.

The word "epipháneia," which means "a deity's physical manifestation or revelation to mortals," is derived from the Greek word "ἐπῐφᾰ́vειᾰ."

Epiphany Traditions: The King Cake, The Three Wise Men, and More

Epiphany is the day that follows the Twelve Days of Christmas. Across the world, numerous nations celebrate this unique festival, which is rich in tradition. Preparing and sharing King Cake or Gallete des Rois is one of the most cherished customs.

Shaped like a crown, the King Cake is a delectable pastry adorned with the three wise men's colours—purple, green, and gold. A tiny baby figure buried inside the cake is supposed to bring good fortune to the one who finds it in the upcoming year. Some customs surrounding Epiphany include singing Epiphany carols and blessing homes.

An important part of the Epiphany myth was played by the Three Wise Men, sometimes referred to as the Magi. They were the ones who found the new-born Jesus by following the star, and they brought presents of myrrh, frankincense, and gold. The Three Wise Men are honoured and commemorated on Epiphany in various cultures, including parades and recreations of their trip to Bethlehem. In Palma, Mallorca, the Three kings arrive in the harbour by boat and shower the excited crowd with sweets.

In addition to providing gifts, the Three Wise Men stand for the Christian concepts of diversity and universality. The Bible claims that although they were from many cultures, geographical locations, and social backgrounds, they were all connected by their belief in Jesus and their pursuit of the truth.

Epiphany traditions around the world

The traditional French dish for celebrating the holiday is galette des rois. House guests  examine their plates to see if a bean has been baked into the round cake, which is covered with frangipane, a delicious almond paste. The bean bearer is dubbed "king" for the duration of the day.

Christ's baptism is commemorated on a festival called Theophany in the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christians observe a church ceremony where a priest blesses water and uses it to bless the congregation after they have fasted.

Many people in Eastern Europe think that taking a cold plunge in a lake can wash away their sins, as Orthodox Christians consider all water to be sacred on Theophany.

In the United States, Epiphany kicks off the Carnival season.  People consume yellow, green, and white frosted king cakes during Carnival, which include a baby figurine inside of them instead of a bean, which is believed to be the infant Jesus. The cakes are available all around the country, but they are especially well-liked in Louisiana, whose state capital New Orleans is well-known for its Mardi Gras festivities.

In Mexico and other Latin American countries, families and friends gather to share a special bread called “Rosca de Reyes.” Inside the bread, there are small figurines of baby Jesus. Whoever finds a figurine in their slice of bread must host a party on Candlemas Day, which falls on February 2nd.

Día de los Reyes Magos: Also known as Three Kings’ Day, this holiday is celebrated in Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking countries. On the night before, children leave their shoes outside, hoping that the Three Wise Men will leave them gifts. On the day itself, parades are held, and people eat Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread like Rosca de Reyes.

In Greece and other Orthodox Christian countries, priests bless the waters, usually a river or the sea, to commemorate the baptism of Jesus. In some places, young men dive into the water to retrieve a cross that has been thrown in, and the one who finds it is believed to have good luck for the rest of the year.

Other countries, including France and Italy, honour the Three Wise Men's entrance with processions and parades.

Another travel-themed tradition practiced throughout Europe and becoming more common in some parts of North America is known as "chalking the door." The custom involves writing the initials of the Magi, who are traditionally known as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, on or above the door of one’s home. Those initials—C.M.B.—also stand for the phrase Christus mansionem benediciat, Latin for "may Christ bless this dwelling." Believers also add numbers for the current year and plus signs that represent Christianity's cross.

Epiphany, with its deep historical roots and diverse global celebrations, offers Christians a unique opportunity for reflection. From the blessings of water to the exchange of symbolic gifts and the sharing of tasty king cakes, Epiphany is testament to the universal quest for spiritual enlightenment and the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within the realm of Christian faith.

Sabeeta Leghari