Why Epiphany Matters: History, Tradition, and the Global Fascination With the Three Kings
The Epiphany is the day when the three kings from the East visited Jesus. It is the traditional ending of the twelve days of Christmas. However, the Epiphany is only mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew and may have occurred when Jesus was two years old.
The three kings brought the infant highly symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. According to tradition, they were named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. There is significant doubt that this event ever happened. Do you believe the epiphany happened?
Some Good Sources on the Epiphany
Even though there is doubt about the veracity of the Epiphany, there are some very good sources on the day. In terms of sources unique to Total Apex Media, there are articles written on the three kings, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. There are also several reliable external sources on the Christian holiday. It is probably one of the most noteworthy holidays in the world, and millions of people celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, much like Christmas.
Something that Just Happened
On the Feast in some parts of central Europe, the priest, wearing white vestments, blesses water, frankincense, gold, and chalk. The chalk is used to write the initials of the three magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) over the doors of churches and homes. The initials may also be interpreted as the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat (may Christ bless the house).
More About the Three Kings
The three Kings brought gifts to the infant Jesus. These gifts were highly significant. Caspar brought Frankincense. It is a frequent spice that is burned (like incense) in the parlors of kings. Melchior brought gold. Gold was symbolically the gift for a king. That means Balthasar brought the myrrh. This is probably the most symbolic gift given to Jesus. Myrrh was used to embalm kings when they died, and this gift may have foreshadowed the death of Jesus.
The Star and a Warning
The three wise men followed “the star of Bethlehem” to Herod and then to Jesus. The star was positioned over the places the wise men needed to go. Astronomers have since posited alternative explanations for the star, such as a comet. Who knows, but the three wise men followed something to the destination they needed to arrive at.
The three wise men are first said to have gone to see Herod the Great, the Roman ruler over Judea. He attempted to ascertain from them the location of Jesus and asked that they return to him when they found the child. Herod said he wanted to worship the infant as King of the Jews. However, Herod wanted to kill the child, and so the Kings did not go back; in fact, they were warned in identical dreams not to go back to Herod.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Epiphany?
The Epiphany is January 6. It is the twelfth day of Christmas.
What is it?
The feast commemorates the visit of three kings from the east visiting the infant Jesus to honor him and gives him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
How significant is it?
In some churches, the feast is celebrated as “little Christmas.”
Where were the three kings from?
It is traditionally thought that the Kings were from Ersia, India, and Iraq.
Parting Shots
It is important to know what this feast is about because it is celebrated by so many people. Epiphany commemorates the visit of the three kings from the east to the infant Jesus. It is the twelfth day of Christmas and is typically thought of as the end of the Christmas season.
