The Three Kings: A Comprehensive Guide to Epiphany 2019

The Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the arrival of the Magi, or three wise men, who visited the infant Jesus after his birth. Traditionally, the Three Kings are depicted as Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, each representing a different continent and bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In 2019, Epiphany will be celebrated on Sunday, January 6th. It is a public holiday in many countries around the world, including Spain, Italy, France, and Mexico. In the United States, Epiphany is not a federal holiday, but it is observed by some Christian denominations.

The History of the Three Kings

The story of the Three Kings is told in the Gospel of Matthew. According to the Bible, the Magi were guided to Jesus by a star that they had seen in the east. They traveled from afar to meet the newborn king and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Magi were important figures in the early Christian tradition. They were seen as symbols of the Gentile world that would come to believe in Jesus. The gifts that they brought were also significant. Gold was a symbol of Jesus' kingship, frankincense was a symbol of his divinity, and myrrh was a symbol of his mortality.

The Traditions of Epiphany

Epiphany is a time for Christians to celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. In many countries, the day is marked by special religious services, parades, and feasts.

Religious Services: Epiphany is a major feast day in the Christian calendar. Churches around the world hold special services on this day to commemorate the arrival of the Magi. The services typically include readings from the Bible, prayers, and hymns.

Parades: In some countries, Epiphany is celebrated with parades. The parades often feature floats depicting the Three Kings and other characters from the Nativity story.

Feasts: Epiphany is also a time for feasting. In many countries, families and friends gather together to share a special meal. The traditional Epiphany cake is a ring-shaped cake with a bean or almond hidden inside. The person who finds the bean or almond is said to be the "king" or "queen" of the day.

The Significance of the Three Kings

The Three Kings are important figures in the Christian tradition because they represent the Gentile world that would come to believe in Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were symbols of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and mortality.

The Epiphany is a time for Christians to celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. It is a day to remember that Jesus came to save all people, regardless of their race, nationality, or religion.

How to Celebrate Epiphany

There are many ways to celebrate Epiphany. Here are a few ideas:

• Attend a religious service. Churches around the world hold special services on Epiphany to commemorate the arrival of the Magi.
• Watch a parade. In some countries, Epiphany is celebrated with parades featuring floats depicting the Three Kings and other characters from the Nativity story.
• Share a meal with family and friends. Epiphany is a time for feasting. Gather with loved ones to share a special meal.
• Bake an Epiphany cake. The traditional Epiphany cake is a ring-shaped cake with a bean or almond hidden inside. The person who finds the bean or almond is said to be the "king" or "queen" of the day.
• Give gifts to children. Epiphany is a time for giving gifts. Consider giving gifts to children in your family or community.

Epiphany Around the World

Epiphany is celebrated in many countries around the world. Here are a few examples:

• Spain: In Spain, Epiphany is known as Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings). It is a major holiday, and children receive gifts from the Three Kings on this day.
• Italy: In Italy, Epiphany is known as La Befana. It is a day for children to receive gifts from an old witch named Befana.
• France: In France, Epiphany is known as La Chandeleur. It is a day to eat crêpes and celebrate the return of light after the winter solstice.
• Mexico: In Mexico, Epiphany is known as El Día de los Reyes Magos (The Day of the Three Kings). It is a day for children to receive gifts from the Three Kings.

Conclusion

Epiphany is a time for Christians to celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. It is a day to remember that Jesus came to save all people, regardless of their race, nationality, or religion.