Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School

At Epiphany we celebrate the time when the Magi visited the infant Jesus. The word epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning to show forth; this is the time God revealed himself in human form by giving us Jesus.

Matthew’s gospel tells us the story:

News of the birth of Jesus spread far and wide. A group of wise men travelled from the east to Jerusalem. When they arrived, they asked everyone, “Where is the child? Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We have seen his star and have come to worship him.”

Now Herod was king of Judea, and he soon heard stories about the coming of a child born to rule. Deeply worried, he called together all his priests and lawyers and asked them where the child would be born. “In Bethlehem,” they told him.

Then in private, Herod sent for the wise men, and pretending that he was as religious as they were, questioned them about the star they had seen. “Go to Bethlehem,” he said, “And when you have found the child, come and tell me so that I can worship him too.”

So the wise men left Jerusalem and took the road that led to Bethlehem. The star guided them all the way until it stopped quite still over the place where Jesus was.

As they entered the house, they saw Mary and her small child, and falling to their knees, they worshipped him. They opened their caskets and presented him with precious gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then, having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, went back to their country by another route.

We don’t actually know that there were three Magi - the Bible does not say - but people often assume there were three of them because of the three gifts mentioned. The names of Caspar (or Gaspar), Melchior and Balthazar have also become traditionally associated with them.

In many countries, Epiphany is known as ‘Three Kings Day’ and it is celebrated with a variety of customs around the world. In many cultures, the greenery and decorations put up for Christmas are taken down at Epiphany (although others keep theirs up until Candlemas on February 2). In countries with a Western Christian background, customs often involve gift giving, king cakes and celebrations close to those we enjoy at Christmas.

In Eastern Christian nations, Epiphany is known as Theophany (meaning appearance of God) and celebrations typically centre around water, baptismal rites and house blessings. For example, a tradition in Bulgaria is for priests to throw a wooden cross into the Yantra River. Believers then jump into the icy waters to save the cross – the swimmer who retrieves the cross will receive a special blessing.

Epiphany is often known as Little Christmas or Women's Christmas (Nollaig na mBan). It is a day of rest and celebration for women after all their hard work over Christmas. It was traditional for men to take over the household chores for the day and for women to gather together for a special high tea (with wine to honour the miracle at the wedding of Cana). Today women might spend the day  shopping or going out for a meal together. They may also receive gifts from their children and grandchildren.

In France, the traditional Galette des Rois is made of puff pastry with an almond filling. A bean or trinket (fève) is hidden inside the galette, representing the baby Jesus hiding from Herod, and the person who finds the fève in his or her slice becomes the king or queen for the day. Everyone must obey his or her wishes!

Children - and many adults - leave their shoes ready for the Kings' presents before they go to bed on the eve of January 6th. The next morning presents will appear under their shoes (if the children have been naughty, they may get coal instead). Many towns arrange colourful parades representing the arrival of the Reyes Magos to town so children can see them in their camels or carriages before they go to bed. Sweet wine, nibbles, fruit and milk are left for the Kings and their camels. In Spain children typically receive presents on this day, rather than on Christmas, though this tradition has changed lately, and children now receive presents on both days. In Spain the Epiphany bread/cake is known as Roscón and in Mexico as Rosca de reyes.

In Germany, young people called Star Singers call from door to door, singing songs and collecting for local charities. They are dressed as the Wise Men, with the leader carrying a star. They carry pieces of chalk and, with the owner's permission, write a blessing above the door of each house they visit. The blessing often looks like this:

20*C+M+B+21

Can you think what this might mean? See below for the answer.

In many homes the Christmas tree is taken down and in some areas is burnt in a big bonfire. The children enjoy themselves as with this goes the plündern (raiding) of the tree - the sweets and chocolate treats are the raiders' rewards!

20 and 21 are the year. The initials have two meanings: the letters represent Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, the traditional names of the Magi, but the letters also represent the Latin phrase, Christus Mansionem Benedicat, May Christ bless this house.

In Finland, Piparkakut or spice cookies are often served, especially in the shape of a star. Traditionally, the cookies are broken in the palm of your hand, while making a silent wish. If a Piparkakku star breaks into three pieces, and all three are eaten without speaking a word, it is said that the wish will come true.

In the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg children also dress up and go from house to house singing special songs, and receiving a coin or some sweets at each door. Koningentaart, puff pastry with almond filling, may be prepared with a bean or coin hidden inside, but a more typically Dutch version is Koningenbrood, or Kings' bread. Another Epiphany tradition is to open up doors and windows to let good luck in for the coming year.