The explanation of the meaning of Epiphany celebrated on January 6th

Every year on January 6, the Catholic Church celebrates theEpiphany, an event of great significance which marks, according to the Gospels, the first public appearance of Jesus Christ. The term 'Epiphany' derives from the Greek verb ἐπιφαίνω, which means to show oneself. The choice of this date dates back to the fourth century, a period that followed the death of Jesus, and was set at the same time as the day of his birth, December 25. This latter date was selected to Christianize the pagan celebrations already underway in the Roman Empire, including the Saturnalia, the winter solstice and the festival of the “Sole Invitto”.

January 6th was established by counting twelve days from December 25th. Although the reason for this choice is unclear, one of the most accredited hypotheses attributes this decision to the intent to incorporate an ancient pagan rite associated with the goddess Diana. In ancient Rome, this deity, symbol of fertility and rebirth, was celebrated twelve days after the winter solstice, coinciding with December 25 of the Roman civil calendar starting from the end of the third century.

The Visit of the Magi

According to Christian tradition, Epiphany is also the day on which Jesus received the visit of the Magi, who came to Bethlehem bringing gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. Theologically, the coming of the Magi represents the recognition of the divine nature of Jesus by the non-Jewish peoples, to whom his preaching would later be addressed. It is important to underline, however, that only one of the four canonical Gospels mentions the Magi, without defining them as kings or specifying their name and origin.

Celebration Traditions

In countries with a Catholic tradition, Epiphany is also an occasion to give gifts to children. In Italy, the tradition is linked to the folkloric figure of Befana, whose name derives from 'Epiphany'. This figure is represented as an old woman who flies on a broom and distributes sweets to those who have behaved well, while leaving coal for the undeserving, all inside a stocking. The origins of Befana are the subject of various theories, with some historians tracing it back to pre-Christian traditions. In other countries, such as Spain, the gifts are brought by the Magi.

Epiphany is celebrated throughout the Christian world and, in Italy, it is also considered a civil holiday. However, it stopped having this status for a short period, from 1978 to 1985. The Eastern Churches, which follow the Julian calendar, commemorate Epiphany on January 19, since they celebrate Christmas on January 7.