FEAST OF EPIPHANY

Image of Magi offering gifts to Jesus
Image of Magi offering gifts to Jesus

By Edward Matulanya 

Discover the meaning and traditions of Epiphany, the Christian holiday celebrating the revelation of Christ to the world. Learn about its history, customs, and significance.

1. What is Epiphany in the Roman Catholic Church?

Epiphany, also called Theophany, is a major feast in the Roman Catholic Church celebrated on January on Sunday between 2 and 8. It commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visit of the Magi (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], 2020; Hardon, 2003).

2. The Biblical Meaning of Epiphany

Epiphany is rooted in Matthew 2:1-12, where the Magi from the East followed a star to worship the newborn King, Jesus (New International Version Bible, 2011; Brown, 1993).

3. History and Origin of Epiphany

Discover the history and origin of Epiphany, exploring its religious significance, cultural traditions, and how this Christian celebration came to be observed worldwide.

3.1. Origins and Early Meaning of Epiphany 

The term Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “manifestation” or “appearance” (Britannica Editors, n.d.). In early Christian practice, the feast commemorated multiple revelations of Jesus; the Nativity, the visit of the Magi, His baptism, and His first miracle at Cana (Britannica Editors, n.d.; Catholic News Agency, n.d.; Catholic Culture, 2025). In fact, it is one of the oldest celebrations in the Christian liturgical year, pre‑dating even the fixed celebration of Christmas on December 25 (Britannica Editors, n.d.; Catholic News Agency, n.d.).

3.2. Early Christian Celebration

Epiphany is believed to have originated in the Eastern Church, where Christians commemorated Christ’s baptism a central revelation of His divinity on January 6 (Jesuit Institute, n.d.; Wikipedia contributors, n.d.-a). Early evidence suggests as early as the late second century some Christian communities in Egypt were celebrating January 6 with a combined commemoration of Christ’s birth and baptism (Wikipedia contributors, n.d.-a; Catholic News Agency, n.d.).

Certain early Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, reference this early celebration, and scholars note that, Epiphany was known in Christian circles prior to the establishment of separate feasts for Christmas and Epiphany (Wikipedia contributors, n.d.-a; Catholic News Agency, n.d.).

3.3. Separation from Christmas

By the 4th century, Christianity had begun to distinguish Christmas and Epiphany as separate feasts; Christmas on December 25 and Epiphany on January 6 (Britannica Editors, n.d.; Catholic News Agency, n.d.). The Council of Tours in 567 formally endorsed these dates and designated the period between them as the Christmas season or the Twelve Days of Christmas, further institutionalizing Epiphany in the Western liturgical calendar (Catholic News Agency, n.d.; Catholic Voice, 2025).

3.4. Western (Roman) Tradition of Epiphany 

In the Western Church, especially in Rome, the emphasis shifted toward commemorating the visit of the Magi from the East. This narrative found in Matthew 2:1–12 symbolized the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, indicating salvation extended beyond Israel (Britannica Editors, n.d.; Catholic News Agency, n.d.).

In Western tradition, theologians such as Origen helped shape the idea of the Magi as a symbol of the nations coming to worship Christ, and later tradition even assigned names to the three wise men as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar (Jesuit Institute, n.d.).

By the Middle Ages, the Western liturgy predominately associated Epiphany with the Magi, and other elements such as baptism and Cana were observed separately in the liturgical calendar (Jesuit Institute, n.d.; Catholic Voice, 2025).

Finally, post‑Vatican II liturgical reforms allow many dioceses to celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday between January 2 and 8 to encourage greater participation by the faithful (Jesuit Institute, n.d.; Vatican News, 2025).

3.5. Liturgical Distinction and Reforms

Over time, the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord originally part of Epiphany began to be observed as a distinct feast in the Roman Catholic calendar. After liturgical reforms in the 20th century, especially following Vatican II, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord was placed on the Sunday after Epiphany in many countries (Vatican News, 2025; Wikipedia contributors, 2025).

The Epiphany Proclamation (Noveritis) in which the priest announces the dates of Easter and other movable feasts underscores Epiphany’s role in structuring the liturgical year (Wikipedia contributors, n.d.-c).

4. When is Epiphany Celebrated?

Traditionally, Epiphany falls on January 6, though some countries celebrate it on the Sunday between January 2-8 (USCCB, 2020; McBrien, 2011).

5. The Three Kings or Magi in Epiphany

The Magi Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar represent different nations and the universality of Christ’s mission (Bowker, 1993; Ferguson, 2003).

6. Epiphany Traditions in the Catholic Church

Home blessings, chalking doors, Epiphany water, and special Masses are common practices (USCCB, 2020; Hardon, 2003).

7. Significance of Epiphany 

Discover the significance of Epiphany in Christianity, celebrating Christ's revelation to the world through the visit of the Magi, and the manifestation of divine salvation to all nations.

7.1. Theological Significance in Roman Catholicism

Epiphany in Catholic theology celebrates that, Christ is revealed as Savior for all peoples, not only for Israel. The visitation of the Magi symbolizes the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, affirming a universal dimension of salvation (Catholic Culture, 2025; Catholic News Agency, n.d.).

While in early practice Epiphany included multiple revelations of Christ, the Western liturgy eventually narrowed the focus primarily to the Magi and Christ’s manifestation to the nations, leaving other revelations such as His baptism for separate commemorations (Catholic News Agency, n.d.; Wikipedia contributors, n.d.-b).

7.2. Spiritual Significance of Epiphany

Epiphany emphasizes that Christ came for all humanity and teaches faith, humility, and devotion (O’Collins, 2013; Foley, 1991).

8. Epiphany Against Christmas; What’s the Difference?

Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth, while Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Christ to the world (McBrien, 2011; Kelly, 2000).

9. Popular Epiphany Prayers and Hymns

Catholics recite prayers and sing hymns such as “We Three Kings” and “As With Gladness Men of Old” (Duffy, 1992; White, 2003).

10. Epiphany Around the World

Celebrations vary globally, e.g., Spain’s gift-giving from the Magi and Poland’s house blessings (Bowker, 1993; Ferguson, 2003).

11. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and Epiphany

Epiphany sometimes overlaps with the Baptism of Jesus, highlighting God’s revelation through Christ (McBrien, 2011; O’Collins, 2013).

12. Epiphany in Catholic Art and Iconography

Depictions include the Magi, Star of Bethlehem, and Holy Family (Haskell, 2000; Schiller, 1972).

13. Epiphany Symbols and Their Meanings

Star; divine guidance. Gold; kingship. Frankincense; divinity. Myrrh; sacrifice (O’Collins, 2013; Bowker, 1993).

14. Epiphany Mass Readings and Gospel Reflections

Sacred Scripture readings such as Matthew 2:1-12 are used to reflect on seeking Christ in daily life (USCCB, 2020; Brown, 1993).

15. Why is Epiphany Important in the Catholic Church?

It teaches the universal mission of Christ and encourages faith, humility, and generosity (McBrien, 2011; O’Collins, 2013).

16. Catholic Epiphany Customs You Should Know

Chalking doors with “20+C+M+B+2025” and Epiphany cakes like France’s Galette des Rois are popular traditions (Duffy, 1992; White, 2003).

17. Epiphany and the Liturgical Calendar

Marks the end of the Christmas season and precedes Ordinary Time (USCCB, 2020; McBrien, 2011).

18. Teaching Children About Epiphany

Stories of the Magi’s journey and craft activities help children understand the feast (O’Collins, 2013; Foley, 1991).

19. Epiphany Star and Decorations in Catholic Homes

Star of Bethlehem hung above cribs; liturgical colors of white or gold symbolize joy and divinity (Bowker, 1993; Haskell, 2000).

20. Famous Epiphany Saints and Figures

St. Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar are legendary Magi; St. John the Baptist is linked through baptism celebrations (Kelly, 2000; Chadwick, 1993).

21. Epiphany Blessings for Families and Homes

Chalking doors with “C+M+B” and prayers for protection and prosperity (USCCB, 2020; Hardon, 2003).

22. Epiphany Quotes and Reflections

“We have seen His star in the East and have come to adore Him.” (Matthew 2:2, NIV, 2011; Brown, 1993).

23. The Star of Bethlehem 

Symbol of divine revelation guiding the Magi; some believe it was a planetary alignment (Haskell, 2000; Schiller, 1972).

24. Epiphany Recipes and Foods in Catholic Traditions

France: Galette des Rois; Spain: Roscon de Reyes; Mexico: Rosca de Reyes with small figurines (Duffy, 1992; White, 2003).

25. Epiphany Novena and Devotions

Nine-day prayers leading up to Epiphany help prepare spiritually (O’Collins, 2013; Foley, 1991).

26. How Epiphany Inspires Catholic Charity and Giving

Magis gifts inspire generosity; parishes organize food drives and donations (McBrien, 2011; Hardon, 2003).

27. Epiphany Processions and Community Events

Spain’s Cabalgata de Reyes parade and Italy’s Befana tradition (Bowker, 1993; Ferguson, 2003).

28. Epiphany and the Catholic Church Calendar

Completes the Christmas season; leads into the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (USCCB, 2020; McBrien, 2011).

29. Fun Facts About Epiphany in the Catholic Church

Called “Little Christmas” in some countries; older than Christmas (Duffy, 1992; White, 2003).

References

Britannica Editors. (n.d.). Epiphany. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Epiphany

Bowker, J. (1993). The Oxford dictionary of world religions. Oxford University Press.

Brown, R. E. (1993). The birth of the Messiah: A commentary on the infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke. Yale University Press.

Catholic Culture. (2025). The diversity of Epiphany. Retrieved from https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/diversity-epiphany/

Catholic News Agency. (n.d.). The history of the Epiphany: Here’s what you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/35171/want-to-know-the-history-behind-the-feast-of-the-epiphany

Catholic Voice. (2025). The history behind the Feast of the Epiphany. Retrieved from https://www.catholicvoice.org.au/the-history-behind-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/ 

CatholicHolidays.org. (n.d.). Epiphany. Retrieved from https://catholicholidays.org/epiphany 

Chadwick, H. (1993). The early church. Penguin Books.

Duffy, E. (1992). The stripping of the altars: Traditional religion in England, 1400–1580. Yale University Press.

Ferguson, E. (2003). Backgrounds of early Christianity. Eerdmans.

Foley, E. (1991). Saints and their feasts: A sourcebook of Catholic traditions. Liguori Publications.

Hardon, J. (2003). Modern Catholic dictionary. Image Books.

Haskell, F. (2000). Patrons and painters: A study in the relations between Italian art and society in the age of the Baroque. Yale University Press.

Jesuit Institute. (n.d.). Feast of the Epiphany. Retrieved from https://jesuitinstitute.uk/Pages/Liturgy/Epiphany.htm

Kelly, J. N. D. (2000). Early Christian writings: The apostolic fathers. Continuum.

McBrien, R. P. (2011). The Catholic Church: A short history. HarperOne.

New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan.

O’Collins, G. (2013). Catholicism: The story of Catholic Christianity. Oxford University Press.

Schiller, G. (1972). Iconography of Christian art, Vol. I: Christ’s infancy. Lund Humphries.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2020). The liturgical year. USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year

Vatican News. (2025). Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/feast-of-the-baptism-of-the-lord.html

White, J. F. (2003). Introduction to Christian worship. Abingdon Press.

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.-a). Epiphany (holiday). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday)

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.-b). Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Baptism_of_the_Lord

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.-c). Noveritis. In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noveritis 

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