The Epiphany of the Lord

Epiphany means "manifestation." Saint Matthew tells how Magi from the East followed a star to Bethlehem, found the child with Mary his mother, worshiped him and offered gold, frankincense and myrrh: gold for a king, incense for God, and myrrh for one who would die. In them the Church sees all the peoples of the earth coming to Christ.

The feast is one of the oldest in the Church, celebrated on January 6 since at least the fourth century. The traditional date is January 6, twelve days after Christmas, but in the United States and many other countries the solemnity is moved to the Sunday between January 2 and 8. Tradition later gave the Magi the names Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.

In Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico and much of Latin America, Día de Reyes is the great day of gifts. On the night of January 5 children leave their shoes out, with grass or hay for the camels, and Spanish cities hold the Cabalgata de Reyes parade. Families share the rosca de reyes; in Mexico whoever finds the figure of the Child Jesus hosts the tamales on February 2, Candlemas.

Many Catholics bless their homes by writing 20+C+M+B+ and the year above the door with blessed chalk, and in Italy La Befana brings sweets to children.