The Epiphany, often referred to as the Feast of the Three Kings or Three Kings' Day, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the visit of the Magi (also known as the Wise Men or Three Kings) to the infant Jesus.

Table of Contents

1. When is Epiphany?
2. The Biblical Story of Epiphany
3. The History of Epiphany
4. What Do People Do on This Day?
5. Difference Epiphany and Orthodox Epiphany

When is Epiphany?

Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th each year. In some Christian traditions, it may be observed on the nearest Sunday if the date doesn't fall on a Sunday. This day marks the conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Epiphany is observed on January 6th in Western Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), and the following is the list of Epiphany from 2020 to 2049.

The Biblical Story of Epiphany

The Biblical story of Epiphany is based on the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men (Magi) from the East arrived in Jerusalem to worship him. King Herod, troubled by the news of a new king, secretly called the Magi and determined the exact time the star had appeared.

King Herod sent them to Bethlehem, instructing them to find the child and report back to him, claiming he too wished to worship Him. The Magi followed the star, which led them to the place where Jesus was and found the child with His mother, Mary.

The Magi bowed down and worshiped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the King, and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold is signifying Jesus' kingship, Frankincense is representing His divinity, and Myrrh is foreshadowing His suffering and death.

After their visit, the Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they departed for their homeland by another route.

The History of Epiphany

The term Epiphany comes from the Greek word epipháneia, meaning "appearance". Initially, Epiphany was celebrated in both Eastern and Western Christianity as a single feast marking multiple events: Jesus' birth, the visit of the Magi, His baptism, and His first miracle at the wedding in Cana.

In the 4th and 5th century, Christmas (December 25th) became widely celebrated as a separate feast in the West, and Epiphany narrowed its focus to the visit of the Magi. During the Medieval period, Epiphany was established as one of the major Christian feasts, ranking alongside Easter and Christmas in importance.

In many Western countries, Epiphany remains a holy day of obligation for Catholics, although its prominence has diminished in some regions.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Western Epiphany, people participate in various religious and family traditions that celebrate the visit of the Magi and the manifestation of Christ to the world. Special Masses or services are held with readings from the Gospel of Matthew recounting the story of the Magi. The day emphasizes themes of Christ's revelation to all nations.

Many churches or communities organize reenactments of the journey of the Magi. Some places have elaborate processions featuring costumed actors and gifts.

Epiphany is a traditional day for exchanging gifts in many countries mirroring the gifts brought by the Magi. Families and friends gather to share special meals, often featuring traditional dishes and desserts. In parts of Europe, children dress as the Magi and go door-to-door singing carols, collecting donations for charity.

Nowadays, Epiphany is a time for many people to reflect on the Magi's faith and perseverance in seeking Jesus, to offer personal "gifts" to Christ, such as acts of kindness and service, and to celebrate the conclusion of the Christmas season with family and community.

Difference Epiphany and Orthodox Epiphany

The Epiphany (Western Epiphany) and Orthodox Epiphany (Theophany) are two distinct Christian celebrations that share similar roots but emphasize different aspects of Christ's manifestation to the world. Both are deeply symbolic and celebrated with unique traditions and liturgies.

Epiphany is observed on January 6 each year, while Orthodox Epiphany is known as Theophany, observed on January 19 annually.

Epiphany focuses on the visit of the Magi, symbolizing Jesus' revelation to the Gentiles, while Orthodox focuses Epiphany Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, marking the revelation of the Holy Trinity.

The key symbolism for Epiphany are the star, the Magi, and their gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh), and while the key symbolism for Orthodox Epiphany are the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), water, and light.

Epiphany is celebrated with special Masses and processions, often reenacting the visit of the Magi, while Orthodox Epiphany is celebrated with blessing of waters (Great Blessing), processions and baptisms.