Each year, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 or the first Sunday in January, depending on tradition. Between religious festival and gourmet traditions, here are five things to know about this day.
A Christian holiday
Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar, who came to offer gifts (gold, incense and myrrh) to the child Jesus in Bethlehem. This day symbolizes the recognition of Jesus as king and savior, particularly by people from elsewhere.
A tradition older than Christianity
Epiphany has its roots in pagan celebrations from ancient times. The Romans, for example, celebrated “Saturnalia”, marking the winter solstice, with banquets and role exchanges, where a slave could become “king for a day”.
The galette des rois, its puff pastry and its bean
In France, culinary tradition associates Epiphany with the galette des rois, garnished with frangipane or brioche depending on the region. A bean is hidden inside, and whoever finds it becomes the king or queen of the day. This practice appeared in the Middle Ages to celebrate fraternity around a shared cake.
Different traditions around the world
Epiphany is celebrated differently depending on the country. In Spain, children receive their gifts from the Three Kings and “Cabalgata de Reyes” parades are organized with candy distribution in the streets. In Italy, it is the Befana, an old woman represented in the guise of a benevolent witch, who distributes sweets, fruits or sugar candies resembling coal for children who have not been good. In Greece, water blessings are held.
The first Sunday in January
Although Epiphany officially takes place on January 6, 12 days after Christmas, it is celebrated in France on the first Sunday in January. This allows more families to enjoy the festivities and as for the cake, it can be enjoyed throughout the month of January!
