In the Bible, the Epiphany celebrates the Magi (often known as the three wise men or the three kings), who followed the Star of Bethlehem to visit the newborn baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Some experts believe the Magi were astronomers or astrologers who paid close attention to the stars and planets above.
The Magi brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Frankincense is a perfume representing divinity, gold as a symbol of kings, and myrrh which is an anointing and embalming oil that symbolized death.
Some believe the message of the Epiphany is the celebration of Jesus coming to unite the world as the true “king of kings” and be the savior to all people. Others interpret it as a message of faith in divine light, which guided the Magi to Bethlehem.
Most often, the Epiphany is recognized on January 6, or the first Sunday falling between January 2 and January 8. Jesus’ baptism is also celebrated during this time. It is observed by Catholics and Orthodox churches, though some Protestant religions believe in the Epiphany.