How many days till Epiphany?

How many days till Epiphany?

A summary

Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. In the Western world Epaphiny is sometimes called Three Kings’ Day, commemorating the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.

Epiphany cake: on Epiphany, a king is hidden in a cake, and whichever child finds the king in the cake is crowned king for the day.

Date and days to Epiphany

The calendar date and days to go until Epiphany are as follows:

What is Epiphany?

Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. It is celebrated on January 6th, which is 12 days after Christmas. The word “epiphany” itself means a sudden and profound realization or revelation.

What are Epiphany celebrations?

Key aspects and customs associated with Epiphany include:

• The Visit of the Magi: According to the Christian Bible, the Magi were wise men from the East who followed a star to find the newborn Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The visit of the Magi symbolizes the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the Gentiles, or non-Jewish people.
• Twelfth Night: In some cultures, especially in Western Christian traditions, Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season, and decorations are taken down on this day. It is also known as Twelfth Night because it falls 12 days after Christmas.
• King Cake: In many countries, especially in Europe and Latin America, a special cake known as a King Cake or Rosca de Reyes is often baked and shared on Epiphany. These cakes often contain a hidden figurine or coin, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck or be the “king” or “queen” of the day.
• Epiphany Dips: In some regions, it is a tradition to bless water on Epiphany. This “holy water” is then used throughout the year for various religious purposes.
• Baptism of Jesus: In some Christian traditions, Epiphany is also associated with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. This event symbolizes Jesus’ manifestation as the Son of God.
• Processions and Celebrations: In various parts of the world, especially in Spain and Latin America, there are processions, parades, and other public celebrations on Epiphany. These may include people dressed as the Magi, musical performances, and more.
• Gift-Giving: In some cultures, gifts are exchanged on Epiphany, similar to the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas.

While the specific customs and traditions associated with Epiphany can vary significantly from one country or region to another, the central theme is the revelation of Jesus to the world, especially to the Gentiles, and the recognition of His divine nature. It is a day of celebration and reflection for Christians, emphasizing the universal significance of Jesus’ birth and mission.

Frequently asked questions about Epiphany

More information about Epiphany can be found here.

All days and dates are based on Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)