Epiphany

Happy Epiphany! This special day is called Epiphany because it marks the moment baby Jesus was revealed to the Gentiles. Celebrated every year on January 6, it’s also known as Three Kings’ Day, a meaningful Christian feast.

Interestingly, Epiphany falls 12 days after Christmas. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Epiphany and its traditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Epiphany is a joyful Christian feast celebrated on January 6.
• It honors the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles.
• Also known as Three Kings’ Day or Little Christmas, Epiphany marks the 12th day of Christmas.
• Western Christians focus on the visit of the Magi, while Eastern Christians emphasize Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.

What Is Epiphany?

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, is a Christian feast day marking key moments in Jesus’ life, including the visit of the Magi, his baptism, and the wedding at Cana. In Western Christianity, it’s mainly about the Magi’s visit, revealing Jesus to the Gentiles. That's why it is often called Three Kings’ Day or Little Christmas.

Eastern Christians focus on Jesus’ baptism, honoring his revelation as the Son of God. Epiphany 2026 will be celebrated on January 6. This day begins the season of Epiphanytide in some traditions.

Interesting Facts About Epiphany

Epiphany is one of the most important Christian celebrations. Here are some interesting facts about Epiphany:

• "Epiphany" is a Greek word that simply means "to reveal," or “to make manifest."
• In many countries, Epiphany is a holy day of obligation. It is often celebrated on January 6th. But since 1970, some countries have observed it on the Sunday after January 1.
• The Bible calls the visitors to Jesus the magi, which means “wise men” in Greek, not kings.
• The ancient tradition of blessing homes and chalk in association with the Feast of the Epiphany goes back centuries.
• For Catholics, the Day of the Three Wise Men marks the first revelation of Jesus to the world.
• Christian belief commemorates the first two times Jesus’ divinity manifested: when the Magi visited the infant Jesus in Bethlehem and when John the Baptist baptised him in the River Jordan.

When Is Epiphany?

Epiphany is a special occasion that marks the world’s revelation of Christ. Every year, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. For many Christians, it is a meaningful day commemorating how a star guided the Magi to Jesus. This day highlights the revelation of Christ to the world and concludes the Christmas season.

Future Epiphany Dates

A Brief History Of Epiphany

“Epiphany” means “to reveal” in Greek, referring to a divine revelation. The feast of Epiphany has been celebrated since around AD 200 and became an official Christian feast by 361. Originally, it honored multiple events in Jesus’ early life: his birth, baptism, and the visit of the Magi. Before Christmas was its own holiday, Epiphany was the primary celebration of Christ’s nativity in many Eastern churches.

By the 4th century, Western Christians began separating Christmas and Epiphany, focusing January 6 on the manifestation of Christ to the world. In the West, the feast emphasizes the visit of the Magi, seen as a revelation to the Gentiles. In the East, it highlights Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, known as Theophany, where all three Persons of the Trinity were revealed together.

Early Christians, including the followers of Basilides, marked January 6 with readings from the Gospels, which may explain the feast’s date. Over time, Epiphany traditions grew to include blessings of water, home blessings, and liturgical celebrations. 

Today, both Eastern and Western churches celebrate Epiphany, though the focus varies: the West on the Magi, the East on Christ’s baptism, with both honoring the divine revelation. Epiphany 2026 will continue this long-standing tradition, reminding Christians of the mystery and revelation of Christ.

How To Observe Epiphany?

One of the happiest feast days of the church year is Epiphany. It falls 12 days after Christmas, and with a little creativity, this holy day can truly shine. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate Epiphany 2026 with your family:

1. Chalk the Door

Bless your home and family for the new year with this simple tradition. If possible, use blessed chalk to write 20+C+M+B+26 above your door. C, M, B are the traditional initials of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) as well as the abbreviation for the Latin blessing to signify "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" (Christ bless this house).

2. Eat King Cake

Many cultures celebrate Epiphany with a King’s Cake, like Rosca de Reyes or Galette des Rois. Hide a small figurine of baby Jesus inside the cake. Just like the Magi searched for Jesus, your family can hunt for the hidden figurine together!

3. Welcoming the Magi

During the 12 Days of Christmas, gradually move your Wise Men figurines closer to the nativity scene. On Epiphany, place them with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. This is a beautiful way to wrap up the Christmas season.

Conclusion

Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. Christians everywhere use this day to reflect on how Christ is shining in their lives. Take a moment to appreciate the joy, hope, and light this special feast brings and enjoy it with your loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Epiphany mean?

Epiphany is a Christian feast celebrating the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, traditionally observed on January 6. The word "Epiphany" comes from Greek, meaning “to reveal.” It’s all about Epiphany and revelation in our lives.

2. Why is the Epiphany called Little Christmas?

Epiphany is often called Little Christmas because it concludes the Twelve Days of Christmas, serving as a final, smaller celebration after December 25th.

3. Is Epiphany the 12th day of Christmas?

Yes! Epiphany falls on the 12th day after Christmas, marking the official end of the Christmas season.