What is Epiphany as a holiday?

Epiphany is a Christian holiday primarily commemorating the Magi’s visit to the baby Jesus and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Eastern traditions, which usually call the holiday Theophany, focus on Jesus’ baptism, seen as the manifestation of Christ as both fully human and fully divine.

What is Epiphany and why is it celebrated?

What is Epiphany? Epiphany – also known as Three Kings’ Day – is a Christian festival, which starts on 6 January. It is a special date in the Christmas story as it’s when people celebrate how a star led the Magi – also known as the Three kings or the Wise Men – to visit the baby Jesus after he had been born.

How do you celebrate Epiphany?

The epiphany feast completes the season of christmas by inviting us to discern the identity of the christ child. Three traditions—baking a kings’ cake, marking a door lintel with the magi’s blessing, and elaborating worship with lighted candles—help us interpret the christmas season appropriately.

What are the 3 reasons to celebrate Epiphany?

Three Reasons to Celebrate Epiphany

• Epiphany Gives Space to Celebrate. Without making it an elaborate event, simply marking Epiphany on the calendar gives a natural, satisfying end to the Christmas holidays.
• Epiphany Is a Multicultural Celebration.
• Celebrate Epiphany by Looking Forward.

Who celebrates Epiphany?

Epiphany, also called Three Kings’ Day, Twelfth Day and Little Christmas, is a Christian holiday typically celebrated on January 6. For some Christians, the feast celebrates the visit of the three kings — also known as the Magi or the Wise Men.

What is the Epiphany in Catholic Church?

Epiphany (/ɪˈpɪfəni/ i-PIF-ə-nee), also known as Theophany in the east, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation (theophany) of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. In many Western Christian Churches, the eve of the feast is celebrated as Twelfth Night (Epiphany Eve).

Why is Epiphany celebrated 12 days after Christmas?

Christians have historically celebrated a period of 12 days surrounding Christmas. Christians believe that the 12 days of Christmas mark the amount of time it took after the birth of Jesus for the magi, or wise men, to travel to Bethlehem for the Epiphany when they recognized him as the son of God.

What does Epiphany mean in Italy?

On January 6th, Italians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with a national public holiday. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas period and commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Magi, or three wise men.