Three Kings Day 2022: History, 10 Facts About Epiphany And Its Traditions

Three Kings Day, which falls on the 12th day after Christmas, celebrates the three kings or the magi who visited infant Jesus after his birth.

In most parts of the world, the day is celebrated annually on Jan. 6. It is also known as Día De Los Reyes Magos or Epiphany. The history of this day revolves around the adoration of the three wise men, or magi, who followed a star to Bethlehem to honor Christ's birth.

Since at least the third century, this day has been separate from Christmas. Different churches recognize it on different dates. For example, Orthodox Christians celebrate the holiday on Jan. 19.

The word Epiphany comes from Greek and literally means "manifestation." The six Sundays which follow the Epiphany are known by Christians as the time of manifestation.

Here are some facts about Three Kings Day:

1. The kings' names were Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.

2. They gave Jesus gold, the essential oil frankincense and the resin myrrh.

3. The kings brought their gifts in vessels called ciboria.

4. Some children leave hay in their shoes for the kings' camels to eat. Others leave letters to the kings.

5. Traditional foods for Three Kings Day include Mexican hot chocolate and tamales.

6. Three Kings Day activities often include the singing of aguinaldos, or Christmas carols.

7. In Italy, people tell the story of La Befana, a woman who decided not to go with the three kings on their trip to Bethlehem.

8. In Lebanon, members of the Maronite Church go to midnight mass and pray for their dead ancestors.

9. Eastern European and Greek Orthodox priests throw a cross into water and divers compete to find it first as part of a tradition.

10. It is a tradition in some parts of the world to serve roast lamb on the Epiphany.