What is epiphany?

Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th, also known as the Feast of the Three Kings or Twelfth Night. It marks the end of the Christmas season and commemorates the visit of the Magi or the three wise men (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar) to the baby Jesus. Epiphany is also associated with the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist and the first miracle of Jesus, turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

Epiphany is celebrated in different ways around the world. In some countries, such as Spain and Latin America, it is a day for gift-giving and feasting, with the traditional King Cake or Rosca de Reyes being a popular dessert. In other countries, including France and Italy, it is a day for children to leave their shoes out in the hopes of receiving small gifts from the Magi.

Epiphany is also a significant day in the liturgical calendar of the Western Christian Church and marks the beginning of the Epiphany season or time after Epiphany. The season lasts for several weeks and is a time of spiritual reflection and growth, particularly in the areas of faith, discipleship, and mission.