Epiphany

January 6, Saturday

Epiphany (or Baptism of the Lord) is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6 in the Catholic and Protestant traditions and on January 19 in the Orthodox Church. The holiday symbolizes an important event in Christian history - the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, as well as one of the first appearances of the Holy Trinity.

History and meaning of the holiday
Epiphany is closely connected with the baptism of Jesus Christ, when, according to the Gospel, John the Baptist baptized him in the waters of the Jordan River. During the baptism, God "appeared": the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended on Jesus, and the voice of God the Father was heard, proclaiming Jesus the Son of God. It is this event that is the basis for the holiday, since it symbolizes the appearance of the entire Holy Trinity - God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Celebration traditions
Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord are celebrated with different rites and traditions depending on the Christian denomination.

In Orthodoxy:
Great Blessing of Water. On this day, the rite of blessing of water is performed, known as the Great Blessing of Water. Water blessed on this day is called Epiphany and is considered holy. Water has an important symbolic meaning - it represents cleansing from sins and the gift of God's grace.

Bathing in an ice hole. In some countries with an Orthodox tradition, such as Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, people plunge into an ice hole or into rivers to cleanse themselves of sins and receive God's grace. This custom symbolizes the baptism of Jesus and connects believers with his feat.

Epiphany Eve. On the eve of the Epiphany, January 18, Epiphany Eve is celebrated. This is a day of strict fasting and preparation for the holiday, when the first blessing of water is performed.

Processions to the rivers. In some places, religious processions are held to rivers or other bodies of water, where priests bless the water.

In Catholicism and Protestantism:
Feast of the Three Kings. In the Western Christian tradition, Epiphany is associated with the adoration of the Magi (the Three Kings) to the infant Jesus. This day commemorates how the wise men from the East came to Bethlehem to worship Jesus and bring him gifts - gold, frankincense and myrrh. Therefore, the holiday is also known as the Day of the Magi.

Blessing of houses. In some countries, such as Spain, there is a tradition of blessing houses and families. Priests perform rites of blessing houses on this day.

Festive processions. In Catholic countries (especially in Spain and Latin America), colorful processions are held, during which the Magi are depicted traveling to the infant Jesus. These processions are accompanied by the distribution of gifts to children.

Cakes and pies. In some regions, there is a custom of baking a special cake known as "King's Cake". Inside this cake is hidden a small figurine of the baby Jesus, and whoever gets this figurine is considered the "king" of the holiday.

Symbolism of water during the holiday
Water plays a central role in the feast of the Epiphany. Blessed water is considered a source of grace, which helps believers to cleanse themselves of sins, receive spiritual support and protection from illness. In the Orthodox tradition, blessed water is kept at home and is used throughout the year - both for personal blessings and for the consecration of houses and other objects.

Epiphany

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Epiphany in other years

2021 January 6, Wednesday
2022 January 6, Thursday
2023 January 6, Friday
2025 January 6, Monday

Epiphany in other countries