The Feast of the Epiphany/Three Kings' Day Traditions

 


The Feast of the Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, is also known as the Twelfth Day of Christmas. It’s celebrated on January 6th, marking the wise men’s journey to Bethlehem to pay homage to Jesus. Casper, Melchoir, and Balthazar bring baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold represents Jesus’ kingship and royalty, the frankincense symbolizes Jesus’ divinity and priesthood, and the myrrh, an expensive spice, points to Jesus’ burial. For some, the Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas Season. Others continue the celebrations until February 2nd for the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas.

In Hispanic and Latin American countries, it is a tradition for children to leave a shoe box under the Christmas tree for the wise men. The shoe box contains grass, black coffee, and a letter. The grass is for the hungry camels, black coffee for the tired wise men, and a letter of good behavior. The shoe box is left out on the night of January 5. The next morning the children awaken to find presents. Another way to celebrate the feast is to host a luncheon or parade with volunteers who dress up as the Three Kings and pass out gifts to children.

Another Catholic tradition with Jewish roots is called a House Blessing, and it is usually done on the eve of the Epiphany. The tradition is to write 20+C+M+B+26 on the top of the front door using a piece of chalk. Read the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) in the doorway. Pray and ask God to bless all those who enters the home with love and protection in the New Year.

Happy Feast of the Epiphany/Three Kings' Day!



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