The 12th Day Feast: Why Epiphany Still Matters
Hey friends! Did you know that January 6th is the twelfth day of Christmas? In the Catholic tradition, it’s called the Feast of the Epiphany—a day that’s all about celebrating the moment the Magi visited baby Jesus and recognized his divinity. Pretty cool, right? Even if your church doesn’t put much emphasis on this feast, I think these traditions are worth keeping around. They connect us to history, add flavor to our culture, and remind us why the birth of Jesus is such a big deal—our calendar is literally based on it
So, Why Celebrate?
Epiphany isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a celebration packed with meaning, delicious food, and a whole lot of fun. Around the world, people have found creative ways to mark the day, blending faith and festivity. Here are a few of my favorites:
France: The King’s Cake
Let’s start in France. Families there share the “Galette des Rois” (King’s Cake), which is a flaky pastry filled with almond cream. But here’s the fun part: there’s a tiny figurine hidden inside. Whoever finds it in their slice gets crowned king or queen for the day! It’s a tradition that brings laughter and togetherness to the table.
Spain & Latin America: Parades and Sweet Bread
In Spain and much of Latin America, Epiphany is a huge deal—sometimes even bigger than Christmas! Parades fill the streets, kids get gifts, and families enjoy “Roscon de Reyes,” a ring-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruit. Like the French cake, it hides a figurine (for the king or queen) and sometimes a bean—the lucky finder of the bean gets to bring next year’s bread.
Blessings at Home
Some traditions go beyond food. In lots of homes, families bless their doorways with chalk, writing “C+M+B” and the year above the entrance. It stands for “Christus mansionem benedicat”—which means “May Christ bless this house.” It’s a simple ritual, but it’s a lovely way to bring faith into everyday life.
Epiphany in America
Here in the U.S., Catholics often mix these customs with a focus on the spiritual meaning of Epiphany. Whether it’s through special church services or family gatherings, the heart of the celebration is the same: remembering the manifestation of Christ and the richness that tradition brings to our lives.
Why Keep Traditions Alive?
Honestly, traditions like the Feast of the Epiphany are more than just parties—they’re reminders of our shared history and faith. By keeping these customs alive, we honor the past and make our present a little brighter. Here’s hoping these traditions continue to inspire and unite us for generations to come.
Do you celebrate Epiphany? What traditions matter most to you? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
