In many parts of Western Europe, the Christmas season comes to an official close on January 6th, the Epiphany.
In many parts of Western Europe, the Christmas season comes to an official close on January 6th, the Epiphany. The Epiphany is a continued celebration of Jesus’ birth, including the visit of the Magi (Three Kings) and the baptism of Jesus. It is a part of both Catholic and Orthodox Christian holiday celebrations. The eve of the Epiphany, known as Twelfth Night, is a night of gifts and feasting, similar to Christmas Eve.
The Epiphany
On the eve of the Epiphany many children in Western Europe anxiously await a gift bearer, to bring them presents. In Italy, the feast of the Epiphany is held on Twelfth Night, and children eagerly await the arrival of the Italian gift bearer, La Befana (whose name is a corruption of Epiphania). According to Italian legend, La Befana was a witch living at the time of the birth of Jesus. The three wise men (also known as the three kings) were on their way to Bethlehem, when they invited La Befana to come along. She was busy with her housework and declined. Later, she set off on her broomstick with toys for the Gesú Bambino (Baby Jesus). However, she could not find the Three Kings and soon lost her way. Italian children believe that La Befana is still looking for Baby Jesus, and on the eve of the Epiphany, she flies down the chimney of each house, and leaves gifts in the children’s shoes, which are left by the fireplace, just in case Baby Jesus is there.
Three Kings Day
In Spain the Epiphany is referred to as Los Tres Reyes Mago- Three Kings Day. The Three Kings who traveled to see Baby Jesus, come bearing gifts for the children. Baltasar is the favorite of the three, since he is the one who is believed to actually leave the gifts. Children leave hay, carrots and barley in their shoes outside their front doors, for the Three King’s donkeys. A parade marking the arrival of the three kings is held on the eve of the Epiphany. The Three Kings also make an appearance in parts of France and the Netherlands.
In Provencal, children would go outside during Twelfth Night to meet with the three kings who were on their way to give the Baby Jesus his gifts. The children would give the three kings food for themselves and their pages. In return, the kings would give the children gifts. In honor of this occasion the Cake of The King, was served. Decorated with designs of stars, crown, dragons and flowers, a special bean or trinket was baked inside. Whoever got the piece with the bean was “king” for the following year.
Greek Cross Day
In Greece, the Epiphany is known as Greek Cross Day. Crucifixes are blessed with holy water. A priest will also bless all the ships in a harbor for safe passages for the following year. He does this by throwing a cross into the waters, which is then retrieved by brave onlookers.
Sources:
Barth, Edna. Holly, Reindeer and Colored Lights: The Story of the Christmas Symbols. New York: Clarion Books, 1971.
Coffin, Tristram. The Book of Christmas Folklore. New York: The Seabury Press, 1973.
Lankford, Mary. Christmas Around the World. New York: Morrow Junior Books, 1995.
Wernecke, Herbert. Christmas Customs Around The World. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press.
