Our family celebrated Christmas and then it was Three Wise Kings Day. It's the Christian holiday commemorated on January 6, falling on the twelfth day after Christmas, and for some denominations, including #Latinos and #Hispanics signals the conclusion of the Christmas season. The 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany are known as the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The three wise king brought baby Jesus the gifts of Love... Frankincense, Gold, and Myhr.
#Epiphany is primarily observed by Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican Christians, many Protestant believers don't understand the spiritual significance behind this holiday, one of earliest feasts of the Christian church.
Though many different cultural and denominational customs are practiced, in general, the feast celebrates the manifestation of God to the world in the form of human flesh through Jesus Christ, his Son.
The word epiphany means "appearance," “manifestation,” or “revelation" and is commonly linked in Western Christianity with the visit of three wise men (Los 3 Magos) to the Christ child (Matthew 2:1-12).
Through these Magi, Christ revealed himself to the gentiles. In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany puts emphasis on the baptism of Jesus by John (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22), with Christ revealing himself to the world as God's own Son. Likewise, on Epiphany, some denominations commemorate Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), signifying the manifestation of Christ's divinity as well.
In the early days of church history before Christmas was observed, Epiphany celebrated both the birth of Jesus and his baptism.
If you were fortunate enough to have grown up in anywhere in The Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, or Cuba where I did, then you are probably quite familiar with some of the unique cultural celebrations associated with Epiphany. What I remember vividly about this ancient church holiday is skipping school each year on Epiphany to receive more presents. <3
After more than 100 years of celebrating this tradition, the annual Greek Orthodox festival continues to draw large crowds. Unfortunately, many observers do not understand the true meaning behind the Epiphany ceremonies.
Epiphany celebrations are sometimes just as important as Christmas, with celebrants exchanging gifts on Epiphany instead of Christmas, or on both holidays.
Pope meets quake victims on eve of Epiphany https://youtu.be/Ns0HdGu_PwU via @YouTube