The Epiphany is of Greek origin and it means ‘Appearance’ the Roman Catholic Eastern & Anglican Churches celebrate the Feast on January 6th. The eastern churches recognise the Epiphany as the anniversary of the Baptism of Christ.

The western Churches commemorates it principally, for the revelation of the Gentiles of Jesus as the Saviour, as portrayed by the coming of the Three Wise Men.

In both eastern & western Churches it secondarily commemorates the Marriage of Cana, at which Christ performed his first miracle. Epiphany has been known to be celebrated earlier than AD 194, it is older than Christmas & has always been a festival of the highest rank.

In Ireland it is better known as the Feast of Little Christmas or Nollag na Mban or Women’s Christmas.