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The Epiphany is a Christian feast day that takes place on 6 January. This is the twelfth day after Christmas Day, giving rise to its alternative name of Twelfth Day. The date of the Epiphany was set, along with the date of Christmas, by 534AD. There is some disagreement between the Eastern and Western Christian Churches as to what the feast actually celebrates, although they both do agree to the extent that part of the celebration is about their belief in the revelation of Jesus as God made man.

In the Western Church, the Epiphany feast involves the celebration of the day that the Magi (the Three Kings or Wise Men) are said to have visited the infant Jesus, still in his manger. Those following the traditional story will see the Magi figures being added to the nativity displays in churches at this point.

At the Epiphany mass the white-clad priest blesses Epiphany water, frankincense, gold, and chalk, with the chalk being used to write the traditionally accepted initials of the Magi - C, M, and B - for Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, respectively, on the doors of the church and the houses of the faithful. These initials may also be associated with the phrase Christus mansionem benedictat (Christ bless this house).

In the Eastern Church, on the other hand, 6 January is used to celebrate the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan by John the Baptist with 25 December being used for both the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi. They call Epiphany the Feast of Theophany, which means 'God shining forth'. They believe that the Baptism was the only time where all of the three supposed aspects of the Holy Trinity were manifested to humanity at the same time. The key ritual is called the Great Blessing of the Waters. This is performed once at a font in the Church and then again, after a Cross procession, at a nearby body of water. The blessed water is used for blessing both people and houses, and may also be drunk.

Around the world a variety of customs have built up around the Epiphany. For many it is recognized as the end of the Christmas period and a time to take down the decorations. In countries such as Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico, shoes are left out overnight to receive presents from the Magi along with food and drink for them, and indeed, their camels. Epiphany is also the start of the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana during which time so-called King Cakes are baked. These have a doll or bean representing the infant Christ inside. If you find the doll or bean in your piece of cake it is up to you to provide the next King Cake.

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