Epiphany, Three Kings Day, Celebrations, Recipes & Traditions

MAIN Holidays Christmas Three Kings - Feast of the Epiphany

Epiphany, from the Greek word Epiphania, meaning "revelation" is based on the biblical story that tells of the Magi or Three Kings - Caspar, (or Kaspar or Gaspar) Melchior and Balthasar - who saw a bright star on the night Christ was born and followed it to Bethlehem.

There they found the Christ child and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The legendary visit would later gave rise to the custom of gift giving at Christmas on the Feast of the Epiphany, traditionally observed on January 6.

Today, Epiphany goes by various names in different cultures, i.e., Little Christmas, Three Kings Day, or Twelfth Night, which remains the official end of the season's "Twelve Days of Christmas" counting from Christmas evening on December 25 to the Ephiphany on January 6.

Hispanic Tradition

In Spain as well as other Spanish-speaking countries, the tradition had always been to observe Christmas Day as a solemn religious occasion, reserving Three Kings Day or Día de los Reyes for exchanging gifts.

However, in many Hispanic cultures today gifts can be given on Christmas Day, as well. They can also be given on Three Kings Day - or as double celebration - on both days! In Mexico in particular, serving Rosca de Reyes, a festive sweet bread in the shape of a king's crown, is also a still-popular tradition on Three Kings Day.

12 Days of Christmas & Other Traditions

In England, Epiphany or "Twelfth Night" was the last opportunity to make merry before a return to the usual toil of the workaday world. The traditional Yule log was also kept lit until Twelfth Night in order to bring blessings & good fortune throughout the upcoming year.

A favorite Christmas carol also still commemorates gifts of partridges, french hens and golden rings in the olde English observance of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

In Germany, children go from house to house on Epiphany eve, singing carols and chalking the year and initials KMB (those of the kings, Kaspar, Melchior and Balthasar), near the entrance of each home. The festive Dreikonigskuchen or Three Kings Cake is also served that night to celebrate the occasion.

Several countries - most notably Italy and Russia - also share the long-held tradition of La Befana, (in Russia, Baboushka) the kindly old witch who makes her annual visit bringing presents by climbing down the chimney on the night of January 5.

The Worldwide Gourment Presents the Epiphany - Food & Traditions - Illustrated guide with lots of interesting historical footnote facts on the celebration, including Epiphany observances in Germany, France, England, Spain and Mexico.

Annie's Epiphany Page - A good collection of facts & information including liturgical and encyclopedic references, when and how Epiphany is celebrated worldwide, related links.

Los Reyes - Día de los Reyes or Three Kings Day - Puerto Rican style - with information on related customs, foods, hymns, and historical notes of the holiday.

Three Kings Cake - Four different versions including complete ingredients for the French traditional (Galette des Rois), German, Mexican (La Rosca de Reyes) and Spanish Three Kings Cake.

Dreikönigskuchen (Three Kings Cake) - Brief overview of related German customs with a complete recipe for the holiday treat.

Epiphany and the Blessing of the Water - Yet another tradition observed in the Byzantine Catholic Church including its history, traditions & special prayers.

Epiphany Links and Resources - Liturgical resource with links to Epiphany seasonal prayer guides, artwork & sermons.

also see in Christmas -> Las Posadas

also see -> Christmas Attractions | Christmas Chocolate