Let’s celebrate Epiphany 2013.

So, what is Epiphany? Also known as Theophany, is a Christian festival that marks the end of the Christmas season. Traditionally, it is celebrated by Christians on the twelfth day after Christmas. Since Christmas is celebrated on different dates by Western and Eastern Christians, the dates that Epiphany is celebrated also falls on different dates.

Epiphany 2013The date of Christmas for Western Christians is based on the Gregorian calendar but the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar is what Eastern Churches use. Because of this, Theophany is celebrated 13 days faster by Western Christians than it is by Eastern Orthodox Churches.

In the year 2013, Epipany will be celebrated by Western Christians on Sunday, January 6 while Theophany will be celebrated by Eastern Christians on January 19.

In the year 2014, Epiphany will be celebrated by Western Christians on Monday January 6 while Theophany will be celebrated by Eastern Christians on Sunday January 19

What is the Origin of Epiphany?

Theophany, for Eastern Christians is the celebration of God as a human being in Jesus Christ. The events that are included in the celebration are events that occurred throughout Jesus life such as his birth, the visit of the Magi, Jesus’ childhood, Jesus baptism and the miracle at Cana. The major and most important event that is celebrated is the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Western Christians differ from Eastern Christians in celebrating the Epiphany in that Western Christians focus on the Magi’s visit to the Baby Jesus right after his birth. A lot of Western Christians believe the festival commemorates the revelation of Jesus, the Son of God to the Gentiles, which means everyone except the Jewish people.

Epiphany 2013 Celebrations Around the World

The following countries celebrate in their own ways.

Epiphany in Argentina
Argentinians celebrate Epiphany as Dia de los Reyes, which means “The Day of Kings” and is the commemoration of the Magi’s visit to the Baby Jesus plus the confirmation of Jesus as the Son of God. In Argentina, the celebration begins the night of January 5 until the morning of January 6 when the Epiphany cake or Rosca de Reyes is eaten and children open their presents.

Epiphany in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, it is also known as Bogojavlenie, which means “The Manifestation of God” and is celebrated by throwing a wooden cross into the sea, a river or a lake by a priest. A contest ensues by young men who compete to retrieve the wooden cross

Theophany in Egypt
Egyptians celebrate Theophany on January 19 by the Coptic Orthodox Church. It is considered one of the seven great feast of the Church where it is forbidden to fast. Part of the celebration consist of local priest who bless the homes of their parishioners with water and may last until after the feast due to the vast amount of homes to be blessed. Another important tradition includes the eating of Taro and sugarcane and many still believe that if one does not eat taro and sugarcane during Theophany, they may wake up the next day, headless.

Epiphany in England
Also known as the Twelfth Night, the English traditions consist of Shakespeare’s plays being performed, traditional Epipany dishes are served such as the Twelfth Cake and the Tart. The Epipany Tart is a tart made with Jam in the form of the star of Bethlehem and the Twelfth Cake is similar to a fruitcake.

photo by: iulian

Happy Epiphany 2013 !