The Epiphany Celebration is observed on January 6th. The word "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word "Epiphania," which means to show or reveal and has many different meanings throughout history.

The celebration first began in 361 AD in remembrance of the birth of Christ. At some point later, the day also stood for celebration of the visit of the three Wise Men (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), Christ's baptism and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana where Jesus turned water into wine

One fact that many people do not know is that the Epiphany marks the end of the true Twelve Days of Christmas, which is not the days preceding Christmas, but the twelve days from Christmas to the Epiphany on January 6th.

In some Latin countries, the Epiphany celebration had been observed by making Christmas Day a strictly religious observance and the Epiphany (or "Three Kings Day") is the day where gifts are exchanged. Currently, that has changed and now gifts can be given on Christmas and Three Kings day. A tradition that still stands today In Mexico, are the sweet breads which are made on the Epiphany in the shape of a King's crown.

Another interesting Epiphany celebration is in Amman where a parade takes place with thousands of Christians along the River Jordan. Once the parade is complete, a service takes place with the blessing of the water whereby a wooden cross is placed under the water three times, which represents the baptism of Christ. On the way back to town the priests carry olive branches and sprinkle holy water on the crowd.

In the Greek Orthodox religion, they see the Epiphany as a celebration of Jesus' dedication to his divinity. In Greece, the Greek festival which is also called "The Blessing of the Waters" is still held every year. During the celebration young men dive into the water to retrieve a cross that was thrown in by a priest after being blessed. The first man to find it is believed to have good luck for a year. Much food, drink and merriment follows this symbolic tradition.

There are still other traditions and/or customs that people still use during this holy day, such as reading the story of Baboushka, which is a story from Russia of an old woman who met the Three Kings but at first declined to join them in their search for the baby Jesus. She later regretted her decision, packed up toys and trinkets for the baby and left on a journey to find the new king. She could never find him and it is said that to this day she still searches with her bag of gifts. The tale of Baboushka is sometimes acted out with three men/boys playing the parts of the Wise Men. In some cases, the wise men are selected by baking a three kings' cake and placing three Lima beans in the cake (or three separate cakes each with one Lima bean) and serving it at a meal prior to the Epiphany and whomever gets the Lima bean in their piece will play one of the Kings.

The Epiphany has a long and amazing history throughout the world and while not a heavily recognized celebration here in the U.S., such as Christmas or New Years, it certainly is one steeped in tradition and deeply-felt reverence.

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