A very sweet and blessed Epiphany to you, my friends!
Today is the day we celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles through the visitation of the Magi (the three kings.) On the night of Christ's birth, the Magi saw a bright light in the heavens and followed it to find their King. In our culture, it's a largely forgotten Christian holiday, as people have moved on the new year, taking down their decorations and going back to work. But the twelve days of Christmas begin with Christmas day and roll on through January 6th which is also called Twelfth Day, Epiphany, Three Kings Day. The twelve days are often celebrated by giving a small gift for each day, as well as by special feasts for each day. Epiphany is a day of celebration and feasting and, for many, marks the end of the Christmas season. My decorations are left up through this day and we celebrate with small gifts left on the front porch. They represent the gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the wise men.
Do you celebrate Epiphany? I'd love to hear about it...leave me a comment!
deryn xxoo
Thank you for this lovely description of Epiphany!
Posted by: lynn | Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 06:06 AM
I love your Epiphany traditions Deryn! We have always left our Christmas decorations up until January 6, the Feast of Epiphany. I think it is a shame that this important religious day is largely forgotten in our society. We haven't forgotten it though! :)
Posted by: susanc | Sunday, January 06, 2013 at 10:31 AM