Epiphany and the Magi

In the conventional version of the Christmas story, the wise men or magi:

• Gaspar,
• Melchior and
• Balthasar

started the gift-giving custom of Christmas by bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child on Epiphany. [See: A Medieval Christmas for more information on Christmas customs.]

Epiphany is the end of the Christmas season, 12 days after Christmas. The mass for Christ

Christ + Mass = Christmas

is often celebrated the evening before Christmas day, and Epiphany is often celebrated as the Twelfth Night. Gift giving in some cultures extends throughout the twelve days of Christmas and in some places is limited to January 5 or 6. Similarly, for those who celebrate only Christmas, gifts are exchanged on either December 24, Christmas Eve, or December 25, Christmas Day. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 because of the difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars.

The magi have been described not only as wise men, but also as kings or Persian priests and astrologers.

Christianity Glossary