it’s a day off from work in Poland. However, this was not always the case. January 6 returned to the calendar of public holidays in 2011 (previously the last one was in 1960). The Feast of the Epiphany is also a holiday in many other European countries – Austria, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Italy, Sweden, Finland and Cyprus.
Epiphany 2025. How is the Epiphany celebrated in Poland and around the world?
On January 6, the Catholic Church celebrates the Epiphany, or Epiphany, which in Polish tradition is called Epiphany. It is one of the oldest Christian holidays. It was created at the beginning of the 4th century. At its center is the newborn Jesus Christ, who reveals himself to the world. At the beginning of the 4th century – on January 6, the Church celebrated the feast of Epiphany (Greek: revelation), then four events were celebrated simultaneously on one day – the birth of Jesus, the adoration of the wise men, the baptism of Christ in the Jordan and the first miracle in Cana of Galilee, which are now spread over time. Today, January 6, during the liturgy on the Feast of the Epiphany, incense and chalk are blessed to mark the doors. This custom became popular at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. In ancient Poland, cake was distributed in homes at the end of the Christmas dinner. Whoever received the almond cake was the almond king. Children went around houses with a star and singing Christmas carols, receiving szczodraki, i.e. croissants, from the hostess. Carols about the three kings were sung. Nowadays, in addition to the traditional mass, processions are organized. On January 6, 2025, as always, the Three Kings’ processions will walk through the streets of many cities in Poland and abroad. this year’s motto of the event is “Bow, kings!” the words come from the pastoral “To the shed, hey shepherds”, which was first published in 1931 in Lviv. The culminating moment of each procession is the bowing to the newborn Jesus.
In Italy, the feast of the Epiphany took on the customary name of Befana, and its symbol is a witch on a broom. Fair magicians and amusement parks come to the cities. The most famous fete takes place in Rome in Piazza Navona. Epiphany in this country is also the day when children receive gifts. They find sweets hidden in traditional stockings or (if they were naughty) a sugar coal. It became a day off again after the intervention of Pope John Paul II in 1986. In turn, in Spain, numerous parades and processions are organized, during which the three kings visit the cities. Similarly to Italy, children enjoy this holiday the most and, according to tradition, they receive Christmas gifts only on January 6. On Christmas Eve, the youngest leave delicacies for the travelers and water and biscuits for their camels on the doorstep of the house. Epiphany in Austria is a day off from work. On this day, carolers dressed as three wise men carry a star – Stern – hence their name Sternsingen. Carol singing is combined with collecting donations for charity. In Greece and Cyprus, Epiphany (Epiphany – revelation, appearance) is associated with the blessing of water. On January 6, Papas (a Greek priest) throws a cross into the sea, followed by daredevils participating in a procession on the beach. According to tradition, whoever fishes out the cross will enjoy health and prosperity all year round.
Epiphany 2025. What do we write on the door on January 6?
On the feast of the Epiphany, the church celebrates, among others: chalk that Catholics use to mark their doors as a sign of confession of faith. They usually write on it the first letters of the names of the wise men from the east, i.e. Casper Melchior and Balthazar (K+M+B). However, the words were once written: “Christus mansionem benedicat” which means “May Christ bless the house.” That’s why many people write an abbreviation of this slogan on their doors and add a specific year. In 2024 it will look like this: C+M+B+2024.
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