Epiphany

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Catholic Christian International
Where:: World
Date change rule:: Every January 6
Holiday emoji:: 👑

Epiphany, celebrated every January 6, marks the Christian observance of the Three Wise Men’s visit to the infant Jesus. This day concludes the Twelve Days of Christmas, symbolizing the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Reflect on its spiritual significance, explore global traditions, and share in the joy of this ancient feast.

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Expected Epiphany Deals

While Epiphany is primarily a religious observance rather than a commercial holiday, many communities and local businesses embrace its spirit through special offerings. Bakeries often feature traditional King Cakes (Roscón de Reyes or Gâteau des Rois) with hidden trinkets, such as those from Whole Foods Market or local independent bakeries. Religious bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Catholic Supply of St. Louis might highlight books on the Epiphany story or related Christian traditions. Many churches and community centers organize special Masses, pageants, or gift-giving events, particularly in Hispanic cultures where it’s known as Dia de los Reyes. Look for family-friendly events at local community centers. We will update this page with confirmed live events as January 6 approaches.

Platform Guide for Epiphany

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Epiphany. Share photos of your King Cake, family traditions, or local church celebrations.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Epiphany. Post visually appealing content of Epiphany feasts, decorations, or religious art.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #Epiphany. Join conversations about the holiday’s history, global traditions, and spiritual reflections.

Epiphany Hero

The Three Wise Men

Also known as the Magi or Three Kings, these figures from the Gospel of Matthew are central to the Epiphany narrative. They traveled from the East, guided by a star, to worship the infant Jesus in Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey and arrival symbolize the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the wider world, beyond the Jewish people, making Epiphany a celebration of universal significance.

History of Epiphany

Epiphany is a Christian feast day celebrating the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men who followed an angel to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The day has also been referred to as Three Kings Day and Little Christmas by both Irish and Amish Christians. The Feast of the Epiphany concludes the twelve days of Christmastide and is the traditional end of the Christmas season.

As early as the fourth century, churches of the Eastern Roman Empire were celebrating Christmas on January 6. Those in the West were celebrating on December 25, which is why some places refer to the Feast of the Epiphany as Old Christmas. Since then, many cultures have developed their own names and traditions to celebrate this day. For example, in Scandinavia, they celebrate what they call Little Christmas Eve on December 23. In Spain, children traditionally did not receive their presents on Christmas Day but instead on January 6, in commemoration of the day the Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In Ireland, they also call Little Christmas Women’s Christmas, because Irish men take on the household duties for the day. Other popular traditions include singing, chalking the door, having one’s house blessed, eating a three kings cake, going to church, and winter swimming. It is also customary for many Christians to remove their Christmas decorations on Epiphany Eve, although other Christian countries historically remove them on Candlemas, the conclusion of the Epiphanytide. According to the first tradition, those who fail to remember to remove their Christmas decorations on Epiphany Eve must leave them untouched until Candlemas.

Epiphany timeline

4 B.C.–6 B.C

The Birth of Christ

Based on historical findings, and biblical references, most scholars believe Jesus was born between 4- and 6 B.C.

A.D. 361

Double Epiphany

The earliest reference to Epiphany as a Christan Feast is by Ammianus Marcellinus, who assigns January 6 to both Jesus’ birth and baptism.

385

Enter Nativity

The pilgrim, Egeria, describes a celebration in Jerusalem and Bethlehem that she calls ‘Epiphany’ to commemorate the Nativity.

1724

Musical Epiphany

Johann Sebastian Bach composes two cantatas for the feast that concludes Christmastide.

1969

Christmas Epiphany

After revising the General Roman Calendar, the Feast of the Epiphany is made a part of Christmastime.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Epiphany

Local businesses can honor Epiphany by embracing its cultural traditions. Bakeries, for instance, can offer authentic King Cakes (Roscón de Reyes or Gâteau des Rois) with a hidden figurine, creating a fun and traditional experience for customers. Specialty gift shops might curate collections of items related to the Three Kings, such as themed ornaments or children’s books. Restaurants, especially those with Latin American or European influences, could feature special menus or dishes traditionally enjoyed on Epiphany, promoting cultural appreciation and community engagement.

Epiphany FAQs

When is Epiphany?

In 2027, Epiphany will be observed on Thursday, January 6. It’s a day for spiritual reflection and celebration, highlighting the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles through the adoration of the Magi.

How many people celebrate Epiphany?

Globally, the number of individuals observing Epiphany is vast, encompassing a significant portion of the world’s 2.5 billion Christians. The holiday sees widespread participation in religious services and cultural festivities across continents, making it a truly international celebration.

What is the significance of the Three Kings' gifts?

Each gift from the Magi serves as a unique prophecy and acknowledgment of Jesus’s identity. Gold honors his earthly royalty, frankincense his divine nature and priestly office, and myrrh his future sacrifice, illustrating his multifaceted mission and destiny.

Is Epiphany a federal holiday?

While widely celebrated by Christian communities, Epiphany does not grant a day off from work or school in the U.S. It is a day of spiritual observance and cultural tradition, with celebrations often taking place outside of regular business hours.

HOW TO CELEBRATE EPIPHANY

Go caroling
Yes, caroling is still permitted after Christmas Day and there are plenty of songs for you to sing your heart out.
Give gifts
Many cultures still give gifts on Little Christmas in honor of the Three Wise Men who visited Baby Jesus, follow in their traditions and do the same.
Take down your lights
Many Christians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany as the concluding holiday of the Christmas season and traditionally remove their decorations on this day.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT EPIPHANY

Where it’s from
The word ‘epiphany’ comes from the Greek word ‘epiphainein’, which means ‘to make known’, ‘to manifest’, or ‘to shine upon’.
The three astrologers
It’s believed that the Wise Men were less like kings and more like astrologers — the word ‘magi’ is derived from ‘magus’, an Old Persian priestly caste that paid particular attention to the stars.
The rule of threes
The Bible never mentions how many wise men there were, it simply said there were ‘wise men from the east’. Most have assumed the number three based on the three gift offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Filling in the blanks
While their names were not originally mentioned, later tellings of the story identify the Magi by name and places of origin: Melchior from Persia, Caspar from India, and Balthazar from Arabia.
Three men and one gospel
Matthew is the only one of the four canonical gospels to mention the Magi.

Why Epiphany is Important

It is one of the oldest Christian holidays
Often referred to as ‘Old Christmas’, Eastern Christianity originally celebrated Christmas on January 6.
It extends the holidays
Who doesn’t love a little more eggnog, TV specials, and holiday cheer?
Giving and Receiving Gifts
It’s not just about receiving gifts, but it’s another great excuse to experience the joy of giving someone one, too.