Epiphany is Here

Christmas isn’t quite over around the world. The twelfth day after Christmas is known as “Epiphany” and is celebrated globally as a tribute to the three kings who met Jesus at the manger.

The Kings, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, came bearing gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The holiday is celebrated in Christian communities in Spain, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, and other countries where those communities have a strong presence.

The holiday is celebrated with Mexican hot chocolate, tamales, and a circular fruitcake called “rosca de reyes” in spanish-influenced countries. A popular tradition is to hide a plastic baby Jesus in the rosca de reyes and the person who receives the slice of cake with the baby hidden inside must throw a party on Candlemas on February 2nd.

Other popular traditions including leaving hay in shoes for weary camels on their way to the baby Jesus and writing letters to the three kings.

Happy Epiphany to all who celebrate!