What is an epiphany?
Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6. It ends the Christmas holidays and is one of the oldest Christian holidays. The meaning and traditions of the Epiphany vary in different cultures and denominations, but its central theme is the visit of the Magi from the East to the baby Jesus.
History and meaning of Epiphany
The Epiphany dates back to the early Christian era, and its original purpose was to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the day of his baptism and the first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Today, in the Western Christian tradition, the epiphany focuses especially on the visit of the wise men from the East, which symbolizes the appearance of Jesus to the non-Jewish peoples.
Epiphany traditions in different countries
The ways of celebrating Epiphany vary greatly in different countries and cultures. Here are some examples:
- Finland: In Finland, Epiphany is an official holiday, when many spend time with family and attend church. The Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations are often taken down as an epiphany.
- Spain: In Spain, the Epiphany, or “Día de los Reyes” (Day of the Three Kings), is a big celebration where children receive gifts and colorful parades take place in the streets.
- Italy: In Italy, the epiphany is called “La Befana”. According to tradition, a witch named Befana brings children gifts or sweets.
Epiphany symbolism
The central symbol of the Epiphany is the wise men of the East, who brought the baby Jesus gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts symbolize Jesus’ kingship, divinity and suffering. Epiphany’s message also emphasizes universal salvation and the revelation of God to all peoples.
Sources
You can read more about the epiphany from the following sources:
