Christians around the world will mark Epiphany on January 6 with a series of celebrations ranging from parades to gifts for children to the blessing of water. This holiday is also called the Feast of the Epiphany, the Feast of the Three Kings and Theophany.
Why is it known by different names?
Some Western Christian churches know this holiday as Three Kings Day. It recalls the visit of three wise men, or wise men, to the child Jesus, and their feeling of wonder at this encounter. It is the 12th day after Christmas and closes the Christmas season.
Eastern traditions call it Theophany and focus on the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Orthodox Christians also know it as the Baptism of Christ.
What does Epiphany mean?
The Greek word “epiphaneia” means “appearance” or “manifestation” and refers to the manifestation of Jesus to the world, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
A Yatiri, a traditional Aymara healer, blesses a figurine of the Baby Jesus over incense during Epiphany celebrations, in La Paz, Bolivia, January 6, 2022. Photo by Manuel Claure/Reuters
How is it celebrated?
This day is often celebrated by Spanish Catholics with parades featuring decorative floats carrying people dressed as the biblical kings who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. In Spain and parts of Latin America, children traditionally unwrap Christmas presents, which elsewhere in the world are delivered by Santa Claus on Christmas Day.
Greeks celebrate Epiphany with water blessing ceremonies throughout the country, which is primarily Orthodox.
Orthodox Archbishop Teodosie blesses water during an Orthodox Epiphany service in Constanta, Romania January 6, 2021. Photo by Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via REUTERS
In Bulgaria, some observers dive into rivers and lakes to retrieve crucifixes, according to an ancient ritual marking the feast of the Epiphany, also known as the Apparition of Christ.
By tradition, a crucifix is thrown into the waters of a lake or river. It is believed that the person who collects it will be free from evil spirits and will be in good health throughout the year. Once the cross has been fished out, the priest sprinkles the believers with water using a bouquet of basil.
When is it celebrated?
Orthodox Christian churches in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania celebrate the holiday on January 6. But for Orthodox churches in Russia, Serbia and Ukraine that follow the Julian calendar, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19, with Christmas Eve falling on January 6. .
Men dance in the icy waters of the Tundzha River during an Epiphany Day celebration in the town of Kalofer, Bulgaria, January 6, 2021. Photo by Stoyan Nenov/Reuters
What is the origin of Epiphany?
It originated in the Church of the East and originally included a celebration of the birth of Jesus, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, which states in its entry that in the fourth century the Church of Rome began celebrating Epiphany separately on January 6.
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