For many people today, Epiphany, signifies the end of the festive period. Originally
the celebration of the manifestation of the Savior was part of the Christmas
festivities, but being at the end of this period took on a separate meaning
that still resonates in the separate customs surrounding it. In the Low
Countries and Germany the day is called the day
of the three kings (Driekoningen / Dreikönigstag), a reference to the three
Magi Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar. In the Catholic parts of the Low Countries
children went from door to door dressed as pint size Magi with little foil
crowns and star shaped lanterns collecting candy as a reward for them singing carols.
Nowadays this day is the day that people take down their Christmas decorations
and get rid of the tree. In some places these trees are collected, piled up and
set alight as celebratory midwinter fires (a convenient way to get rid of
them...).
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