Epiphany in Austria

What is Epiphany?

Epiphany is a Christian holiday marking the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and the visit of the Magis to the baby Jesus. It is also known as Theophany by many in the Eastern Christian traditions commemorating the revelation of Jesus as God’s incarnation in a human. A large feast is usually held every year in households that celebrate Epiphany. The day comes right after the Twelfth Night, also called Epiphany’s Eve.

Epiphany All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: January 6
• Category: Religious
• Where It’s Marked: Internationally/Globally
• Why It’s Marked: The day marks the last day of the Christmas holiday season and commemorates the visit of the three Magis as the first embodiment of Christ.

History Of Epiphany

If you have read or heard about the Three Kings Day, you already know many things about the day of Epiphany. Both of these religious celebrations are the same. The history of Epiphany is long and confusing as no one knows when it started and on what purpose. Although the purpose varies from region to region, the starting date is still debatable.

The feast of Epiphany is the oldest and most important feast of the churches. But, this Christian holiday's name didn't exist until 361 A.D. It was the earliest reference for the day. Also, an important point to note is that the holiday was listed twice, suggesting the birth of Jesus and the baptism assigned on the same day.

In another context, Epiphanius of Salamis says January 6 is Jesus's birthday and His Epiphany but not His baptism. His baptism was assigned on November 6 instead. Later on, the day included the Magis' visit, Jesus' birth, and baptism.

A celebration in Jerusalem and Bethlehem took place around 385 A.D. called “the Epiphany,” which marks the nativity as said by pilgrim Silvia.

Moreover, in 380 A.D., St. Gregory of Nazianzus referred to Epiphany as Theophany to commemorate the nativity of Christ. He also declared that people should commemorate the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ and the three kings' visit on this very day.

Now, it’s known that Epiphany originated in the Eastern Church, which only included the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Then in 354 A.D., the Roman churches started celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 25, which they later separated and celebrated on January 6 in the fourth century.

How to Celebrate Epiphany

A fabulously large feast completes the celebrations of Epiphany. Aside from all the delicious food and drinks, there are three Epiphany traditions: baking a King Cake, marking the entrance with chalk for Magis’ blessings, and worshipping Jesus Christ by lighting candles.

Moreover, children are given gifts in their shoes, different pastries are made, and houses are blessed with holy water.

It’s also essential to remove Christmas decorations on this day; otherwise, it has to stay up until Candlemas Day. It’s a superstition that will bring back luck, but to many, it’s a tradition.

As Epiphany is the end of Christmas, many celebrations are wild and entertaining. Decorative floats and colorful parades with people wearing costumes descend the streets celebrating Epiphany. The celebrations often have colored lights, music, drums, jugglers, and medieval clowns who throw candies at the people.

People of Czech take dips and swim in the icy water of the Vltava River, just beside the medieval Charles Bridge. This tradition also goes on in Greece, Russia, and Bulgaria.

The Orthodox Greek Australians celebrate the day by visiting Frankston Waterfront near Melbourne for the Water Blessing ceremony. Later, the ceremony ends at Princes Pier in Port Melbourne.

Mexico and Southern California people arrange a Rosca de Reyes where a sweet bread resembling a crown is served to everyone and whoever finds a plastic baby Jesus gets crowned with a fake crown and gets to host Candlemas at their house. It may seem money-wasting, but serving others is supposed to bring good luck.

Other celebrations or traditions include Epiphany singing, caroling, and attending church services. But, if you search, many more ways people celebrate Epiphany worldwide.

Countries that Observe Epiphany

Christians all around the world celebrate Epiphany day.

Interesting Facts about Epiphany

Epiphany has an exciting history, so it must have some interesting facts. Let's go through some of them.

• Do you know how to chalk your house for blessings? Write the first two numbers of the year, then add the “✝” sign representing the cross sign. Now write C✝M✝B for the initials of the three wise men or the three kings. In the end, write the last two numbers of the year. It should look like this: 20✝C✝M✝B✝22.
• Some regions celebrate Epiphany on January 1 by following the Roman Julian calendar.
• "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word "epiphainein," meaning revelation or manifestation.
• Right after Epiphany, the 6 Sundays are the time of manifestation.
• Eastern Orthodox Christians observe Epiphany as Christmas Day.
• Many historians say all the gifts the three kings brought were from east of Israel in Arabia.

Unique Epiphany Celebration Ideas

If you want to make your Epiphany more fun and better, you can incorporate some of these activities into your holiday. Not only are the activities enjoyable but also fun for the whole family.

• Star Gazing: Just like the Magis, you can enjoy a night sky of stars. If you know someone with telescopes, get them to join you in your backyard. Set up a telescope and enjoy the great space. Many scientists believe that the star the Magis were following is Jupiter.
• King Cake Bake Sale: Why not host your bake sale? If you want to enjoy the day meeting new people and baking, what's better than a bake sale? King cakes are a hot topic before and on Epiphany.
• Donate: It may seem odd from the tradition, but Epiphany is a holy day, and being charitable is the best thing you can do on the day.

Epiphany Quotes

If you wish someone good wishes on this Epiphany day, you can use some quotes we have shared here.

“The light of Christ is so clear and strong that it makes the language of cosmos and the Scriptures intelligible so that all those who, like the Magi, are open to the truth can recognize it and join in contemplating the savior of the world.” – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

“Don’t leave Jesus in the manger; don’t remember Him only at Christmas. Instead, learn to walk with Him daily as you pray and read His word and ask Him to help you.” – Billy Graham

“May the wisdom of the Magis guide you to your own light.”

FAQ

1. Where is the visit of the Magis recorded?

The visit of the Magis to baby Jesus is only recorded in the gospel of Matthew.

2. How did the three wise men bring their gifts to infant Jesus?

The three wise men brought the offerings in a container named ciboria.

3. What is the traditional food for Epiphany?

Lamb roast, King cake, Mexican hot chocolate, and tamales are some of the traditional food for Epiphany.

4. Was there anyone else traveling with the three kings?

No, but a woman named La Befana was supposedly going to go with them to see infant Jesus but didn’t.