The church season of Epiphany begins on January 6 each year. The name comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “to appear, to show or to manifest.”
The ending date of the Epiphany season is determined by Ash Wednesday, which is determined by the date of Easter.
Traditionally, Epiphany Day marks the arrival of the Magi, or wise men, to worship the infant Jesus. The significance of Epiphany for Christians is that it symbolizes the first recognition of Christ by Gentiles, or non-Jews.
The three kings were the Gentiles who “came from afar” to offer gifts to the Christ child. The meaning of the event is that Jesus came as Lord not only for Jews, but for Gentiles as well. Christ is the Savior of the world — the whole world.
Three Kings Day — or Dia de los Reyes in Spanish — is celebrated in many places around the world on January 6. . . . During the festivities, there are parades with camels bearing the “kings,” toys are given to children, food is shared and folk dancers perform. Many women bake bread with a miniature plastic Jesus inside each loaf. The person who ends up with the figurine is obliged to host a party for others on February 2, Candlemas Day.
The season of Epiphany emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, the light of the world. Symbols for the season include light, a star and the color green, which represents life, growth, hope and eternity.
Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany also refers to the church season that follows the day.
It commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism.
Used by permission of The Newsletter Newsletter;