This is a re post from one year ago today. I wanted to share it again.
January 6th is known as the Epiphany or Feast of the Three Magi. It is the 12th day of Christmas, beginning December 25th. This holiday looks toward the Church's mission to the world to show Jesus as our Savior.
The Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
In Italy, The Epiphany is a national holiday and children wait for La Befana. She is an old woman who brings gifts to good children, and leaves coal to the bad ones. The tale goes on to say that the Wise Men knocked on her door and asked her to accompany them on their journey, but she refused. After seeing a huge powerful light in the sky, she set out with gifts to join them, but got lost. She goes out bringing gifts each year in the hopes of finding Baby Jesus.
As part of celebrating on January 6th, some people make a King's Cake or a bread filled with all sorts of goodies to represent the gifts brought by the Wise Men.
You can find a tasty recipe here.
Dear Jesus, as You led the Three Kings to You by the light of a star,
Please draw us ever closer to You by the light of Faith.
Help us to desire You as ardently as they did.
Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from You.
May we, like them, have something to give You when we appear before You.
Mary, Our Mother, help us to know Your Son. Amen.
- from Catholic Cuisine
Joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays and Elaine for Sunny Simple Sundays.
xo
How interesting the ways to celebrate Epiphany. Must check out your link. Is this something you make every year?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Barbara. I don't remember reading this last year, so I'm glad you re-posted it. I've heard of King's Cake, but have never tasted it. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Denise at Forest Manor
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this verry interistin post and a happy 2013!!
Greetings
XX
Jérôme
When I was a child, we never took our Christmas tree down until "little Christmas".
ReplyDeletexo,
Lisa
Lovely post with beautiful Wise Men photos. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara, this is very interesting. I love the prayer at the end.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara- That's interesting to read. I've never heard of King's cake before.
ReplyDeleteYour new look on the blog is great!
Liz
This is a wonderful post! As a kid, my Mom always left the decorations up until the 6th. "Little Christmas" in Italy as she would say. She still leaves everything up until the 6th. Would you believe I never knew the 12 days of Christmas were meant to be started with Christmas Day? I guess there's something to be learned every day!
ReplyDeleteI missed this post, so I am glad you re-posted it.
ReplyDeleteThe three wise men are dressed so beautifully.
Such a lovely story and the cake is something new to me.
The prayer is very meaningful. XO Linda
Interesting post. Your new header looks great.
ReplyDeleteJudy
I just went to the link and pinned that Gift of the Magi bread. It looks delicious! You had me at maraschino cherries and semi sweet morsels.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about La Befana, Barbara. Thanks for sharing with us. I've had King's Cake, but have never made it. I'm going to check the recipe now.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have always left our Christmas decorations up until at least through January 6, to keep the twelve days of Christmas and the Epiphany! Great post, Barbara -- going to go check out your link, now! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Barbara. I hope you and your family have a healthy and very happy new year.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post Barbara. Thank you for sharing again. Blessings, Ginger
ReplyDeleteDear Barbara, you made a beautiful and very interesting post.I wish you a Happy Epiphany!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses
Alessandra
Epiphany is not as celebrated here as in Europe. It's a great post!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteHappiest New Year, dear one.
xoxo
Hi Barbara, I too always leave my tree up for " Little Christmas" I will keep that prayer on my bulletin board to remind me to keep the faith through all things.
ReplyDeleteGreat repost.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.
- The Tablescaper
Lovely post and the recipe looks really interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks and have a nice Sunday,
Babs
I didn't know about La BeFana. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI do love the La Befana tradition. (my husband is half Italian) I always leave the nativity up through Jan 6th, for the wisemen. (even though I put most of the other Christmas decor away on New Years.)
ReplyDeleteThere is an Epiphany celebration in my town
ReplyDeletetoday by the Greek Orthodox church.. the boys
will dive for the cross and it's such fun
to watch...
Nice Post
What a lovely post and I didn't know this. I learn something new each day as I only thought about King Cake during Mardi Gras! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year,
Shelia ;)
Thanks for this post. I have wanted to celebrate Epiphany, but didn't really have much info. Maybe next year I'll have a dinner and invite friends. Blessings to you today and throughout the new year!
ReplyDeleteLaura- from sundayview.blogspot.com
I enjoyed this post. Our youngest daughter is in Spain. We spoke with her today (via facetime on our ipads) and she said that they had just had a holiday there called Three Kinds Day. Loved learning a little more about the history.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jann
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI put a link of your blog on my facebook page :)
Greetings
Jérôme
I'm so glad you shared this post again! I had no idea what Epiphany was, I've just always known it as the 12th day of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI hope your New Year has gotten off to a great start! Happy Monday to you!
I love this post Barbara, I love so much!!:)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Barbara!
ReplyDeletexo
Cathy
What a fun way to celebrate the Epiphany!
ReplyDeleteDearest Barbara,
ReplyDeleteHere I am..wishing you a happy Epiphany, beautiful post.
and compliment for your new header..beautiful!
Wishing you a great week and happy new year again
warmly hugs
Barbara Love this re post. Happy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading it again! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteDearest Barbara,
ReplyDeleteHello, thank you SO MUCH for your thoughtful comment. Although I'm still feeling a bit groggy, I finally start facing pc and catching up visiting friends (^^;)
wishing you had a happy Epiphany day, my friend!
Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Barbara, thanks for sharing. I love this post. I wish you all the best in 2013, Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you've joined 'Grow Your Blog' party. I'm visiting some of the blogs early and I'm happy I found yours. May the 2013 be the best year ever!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to be in Mexico for that day (and my birthday). We couldn't figure out why Wal Mart was so busy and then I remembered.
ReplyDelete