Austrian Epiphany singers, usually dressed as the Three Wise Men, collect money for Roman Catholic charity projects between Christmas and Epiphany.Reuters
Austrian Epiphany singers, usually dressed as the Three Wise Men, collect money for Roman Catholic charity projects between Christmas and Epiphany.ReutersIn Bulgaria, young men perform a traditional dance in icy waters. The dance is believed to bring health and happiness for the new year, and is also an opportunity for young men to show off their strength and prowess to those watching.ReutersGreek Orthodox Christians – who celebrate Epiphany according to the Gregorian calendar on Jan. 19 – in Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia and other parts of Europe hold a ceremony called “The Blessing of the Waters” in which young men dive into the water to retrieve a cross thrown in by a priest. The first man to find it is believed to have good luck for a year. The ceremony also marks the end of the traditional ban on sailing throughout the winter.ReutersCelebrations in Italy centre around the figure of “La Befana”, a witch-like persona from Italian folklore who brings sweets and gifts to children on the night before Epiphany. If the child has been bad, she brings lumps of black coal instead.ReutersChristians in Jordan observe a mass-baptism and parade along the River Jordan, where Christ himself was baptised.ReutersIn Mexico City, it is traditional to bake a giant cake, known as "Roscon de Reyes" on the day of Epiphany. This year’s cake was reportedly made using 38,000 eggs, 1,000kg of fruit, over 2,600kg of sugar and 600kg of marmalade. More than 2,000 bakers took part in making the treat, which stretches 740m and weighs about nine tonnes.ReutersChristians in Russia cut holes to bathe in the icy waters of lakes and ponds during Orthodox celebrations of Epiphany on Jan. 19.ReutersIn Spain, annual parades take place in major cities across the country to mark the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.Reuters
Friday marks the Christian celebration of the revelation of God the Son in Jesus Christ, also celebrated as the day the Three Kings brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
The word "epiphany" comes from the Ancient Greek "theophany", meaning "vision of God." January 6 is commemorated throughout the world with festivals, feasts, parades, and a whole host of quirky and odd traditions.
In Bulgaria, hundreds of young men have also plunged into rivers and lakes across Bulgaria to retrieve crucifixes cast by priests. It is believed that the person who retrieves the cross will be freed from evil spirits that might have troubled him.
Celebrations in Italy centre around the figure of "La Befana", a witch-like persona from Italian folklore who brings sweets and gifts to children on the night before Epiphany. If the child has been bad, she brings lumps of black coal instead.
In Mexico City, it is traditional to bake a giant cake, known as "Roscon de Reyes" on the day of Epiphany. This year's cake was reportedly made using 38,000 eggs, 1,000kg of fruit, over 2,600kg of sugar and 600kg of marmalade. More than 2,000 bakers took part in making the treat, which stretches 740m and weighs about nine tonnes.
