When is Epiphany 2017? Date, meaning, why Christians celebrate the feast day
Epiphany marks the end of Christmas festivities for Christians around the world. But what is it?
When is Epiphany 2017?
The Christian holiday of Epiphany falls on Friday January 6 in Western churches - almost two weeks after Christmas Day.
Some people celebrate Twelfth Night on the same day, but others believe it is actually the night before.
Twelfth Night is the time when families across Britain take down Christmas trees and other decorations for another year.
The time between Christmas Day and Epiphany is known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Some Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Epiphany on January 19 because their Christmas Eve falls on January 6.
Orthodox Christians believe water is has healing powers for the day and take ice baths as part of the celebration.
What is Epiphany?
The Christian feast day is a celebration of the manifestation of Christ’s divinity during his baptism by John the Baptist.
The celebration also remembers how three kings, known as Magi, came to visit the baby Jesus shortly after his birth in Bethlehem.
The word Epiphany comes from Greek and means 'manifestation’.
Pope Francis holds an annual Holy Mass to mark the Epiphany at St Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Russian Orthodox believers take icy plunge to mark Epiphany
Many Protestant churches observe the season of Epiphany which runs until Ash Wednesday and the beginning Lent.
But Catholics and other Christians celebrate Epiphany on just the day itself.