Epiphany

Epiphany History

Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus Christ as God incarnate to the Magi (wise men from the East) as told in the Gospel of Matthew. This cherished commemoration serves not only as a notable event in the Christian liturgical calendar, but also as a profound symbol of manifestation and discovery in the spiritual journey of a believer. Essential aspects of the observance include the recognition of Christ's messianic mission, the epiphanic discovery of divine truth, and an invitation for self-reflection and spiritual enlightenment.

The historical roots of Epiphany can be traced back to the early Christian church in the Eastern Roman Empire, gradually spreading to Western Christianity. While there's no unique Canadian history to Epiphany, this holiday is a period of deep connection to their religious beliefs and ancestral customs. Epiphany is a time of cultural immersion as several Canadian communities with European heritage maintain traditions like house-blessings, where holy water is sprinkled as a protective measure for the upcoming year, and Epiphany plays, where biblical reenactments are performed.

For some who celebrate, it's a day of solemn worship resolving around Mass or worship services, while others use it as a time to decorate their homes with symbols related to the Magi and the Star of Bethlehem. Many French-Canadians celebrate with 'La Fête du Roi', a festive event involving a cake with a hidden trinket—an old European tradition. Epiphany in Canada is celebrated on January 6th, concluding the twelve days of Christmas and witnessing the transition from the joyous holiday season into the new year.

Top facts about Epiphany

• Epiphany Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Denmark and Norway do not have the day off, but do hold special mass and church services. The day is also a holiday throughout much of Eastern Europe.
• In some Eastern Orthodox Christian communities, Epiphany is celebrated by a procession to the nearest river, lake, or pond. The priest blesses the water and he throws a cross in the waves. People dive into the water to retrieve the cross, and the one who finds it is thought to be particularly blessed in the New Year.
• The celebration marks the visit of the three kings or wise men (also known as the Magi) to the baby Jesus, according to the Christian religion.
• In areas with larger French Canadian populations, individuals might partake in the tradition of the “Galette des Rois” or “King's Cake,” especially in the region of Quebec. It is a puff pastry cake filled with almond cream. A small figurine or bean is hidden in the cake and whoever gets the piece with the figurine becomes the 'king' or 'queen' for the day.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Epiphany

Top things to do for Epiphany

• Take down any decorations, you should have taken these down on Knut’s Day, the day before Epiphany, but if you’ve been too busy eating, today is the day to get them down.
• In some Western churches, church members share king cake, similar to the pastry served on Mardi Gras in New Orleans. A coin or bean is cooked into the cake, and whoever receives them gets to wear a crown for a day.
• In coastal areas of Canada, especially in Quebec, some communities organize an Epiphany swim. Participants gather at the waterfront and take a dip in freezing water, usually for charity purposes or simply as a fun and symbolic activity.
• In some Canadian households, small gifts or treats are exchanged on Epiphany Day to commemorate the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. It is common to give gifts such as chocolate, small toys, or religious items.