What is Epiphany 2018 and what does Epiphany mean? The meaning of Twelfth Night explained
CHRISTIANS around the world have celebrated Epiphany 2018, the day after Twelfth Night when Christmas decorations are taken down. But what is Epiphany?
Everyone knows that you take your Christmas tree and decorations down on Twelfth Night, which marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas.
But there is some confusion over whether it falls on the eve of Epiphany on January 5 or the night of Epiphany itself on January 6.
The Church of England says Twelfth Night falls on January 5 because its count the 12 days of Christmas from December 5. But some Christians start counting on December 26.
Related articles
What is Epiphany 2018?
The word ‘Epiphany’ originates from Greek and means manifestation of the divine. It can also refer to a moment of revelation.
According to Western Christianity, the festival of Epiphany celebrates the Three Kings, also known as Magi, following the star of Bethlehem to visit the baby Jesus.
The Oxford English Dictionary says Epiphany represents “the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi” in the Bible.
The Gospel of Matthew in the Bible describes how the kings followed the star and brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Getty
For Eastern Orthodox churches, the Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
Many Orthodox Christians believe water has healing powers for the day and take ice baths as part of the celebration.
In the GreeK Orthodox tradition, Christians will dive into open water to chase after and retrieve a cross to mark the Epiphany.
Some countries, such as Russia, celebrate the Epiphany on January 19 beacuse their Christmas Eve falls on January 6 instead of December 24.
LATEST PHOTOS: EPIPHANY 2018 IN PICTURES
Epiphany 2018: Stunning pictures as Christians celebrate the festival
Sat, January 6, 2018Epiphany, also Theophany, or Three Kings' Day, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ
Bulgarian men dance in the waters of the Tundzha river during a celebration to commemorate Epiphany Day in the town of Kalofer
The Epiphany is marked in different ways depending on which part of the world that you come from.
For example, it is known as Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) in the Spanish-speaking world. In Mexico, Christians eat what is known as Rosca de Reyes, or the Kings' bread.
It might be hard to imagine now, but until the 19th century, the Epiphany was seen as more important than Christmas Day.
Pope Francis holds an annual Holy Mass to mark the Epiphany on January 6 at St Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Protestant churches celebrate a whole season of Epiphany, from January 6 until the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.
READ MORE: WHAT DOES EPIPHANY MEAN?
