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Twelfth Night, Epiphany, or Three Kings Day

Don’t Forget to Leave Out Some Food for the Camels!

January 6^th is the twelfth day after Christmas, celebrated as Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings in many countries with strong Christian traditions, such as Germany, Austria, Poland, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Argentina. It commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, or Three Kings, to Bethlehem. In Eastern churches, it also celebrates the baptism of Jesus.

January 5^th is called Twelfth Night. In some countries, such as Italy or Spain, people don’t exchange present until this night, to commemorate the Gifts that the King or the Magi brought to Jesus in Bethlehem. Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means “to appear” or “to show oneself.” To Anglican, Eastern and Roman Catholic faithful, the coming of the Three Wise Men symbolizes the recognition of Jesus Christ as the Savior.

In many cultures, it is a festive day of presents and cake. Many people take down their Christmas tree, let children eat the candies with which it is decorated, and perhaps have a bonfire to burn the tree. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is the tradition to exchange gifts not on Christmas, but on the Dia de los Reyes, or Day of the Kings. Children leave food for the camels of the Wise Men, and place shoes outside a window on Twelfth Night, which the Magi then fill with small gifts.

In Italy, the presents are brought by La Befana, a kind old witch. According to legend, the Wise Men asked her to accompany them to see the baby Jesus, but she was too busy cleaning her house, and so missed the wondrous sight. Each year, La Befana goes from house to house, leaving gifts and looking for the Christ child.

In many parts of Germany, Poland, and Austria, families use chalk to mark the doorway of each home with the initials of the Three Wise Men – C + M + B, for Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, along with the year. According to the Church, C + M + B stands for “Christus Mansionem Benedictat,” or “Christ bless this home,” and it is said that this protects the home from fire, flood and illness. In small villages, the priest himself comes to bless the home. In some regions, the marks are made by three children dressed as the “star singers,” who go from door to door holding a large star, singing carols, symbolizing the travels of the Three Wise Men who followed the star to Bethlehem. In some areas, the children collect candy, or money for charities.
And Cake …

Special cakes are a big traditions on Three Kings Day in many cultures. In Mexico, the cake is shaped like a crown, while in Germany a foil crown is placed on the cake. The French include a dry bean or an almond in the “Gallette des Rois,” symbolizing the baby Jesus. Whoever gets that slice of cake will be especially blessed – and gets to wear the crown during the meal!

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