Five Facts About the Three Wise Men, the Epiphany and a Gift For You

Why the Epiphany Matters for Hispanics

The celebration of the Day of the Three Wise Men is one of the most deeply rooted Catholic traditions for Hispanics during Christmas, as it represents the meeting of the Magi from the East with the Infant Jesus and, in turn, the first manifestation or Epiphany of Jesus on earth.

The biblical reference that makes this day so special is in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1-2), which states: “Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’”

The biblical account of this significant event, commemorated each year on January 6th, continues in Matthew 2:10-11: “They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” This moment inspires many Hispanic families today to exchange gifts in the spirit of the Three Wise Men.

Members of St. Joseph Church in Winter Haven, Fl, celebrate Three Kings Day.

Photo by Julie Fletcher for CRS.

Here are some interesting facts about the Epiphany:

Meaning of the Feast of the Epiphany

Epiphany means "manifestation." It is when God makes Himself known on earth. The Feast of the Three Wise Men commemorates the first manifestation of Christ, demonstrated through the adoration of the Wise Men from the East upon meeting Jesus (Mt 2:1-2). According to Professor Franco Cardini of the University of Florence, author of The Three Wise Men: History and Legend, the Wise Men are symbols of the past, present, and future, as well as representations of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

The Bible Does Not Specify There Were Three Wise Men

Although it is commonly believed that three Wise Men visited the Infant Jesus, the Bible does not mention an exact number. This assumption is based on the three gifts they presented, a detail mentioned in Matthew 2:11.

Each Gift from the Wise Men Has a Meaning

According to the Bible, the Wise Men gave Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh as part of their homage. In Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Admirabile Signum, he explains the meanings behind these gifts:

• Gold: Honors Jesus' royalty, as it is a gift for kings.
• Frankincense: Honors Jesus' divinity, as recognized by the Wise Men.
• Myrrh: Represents Jesus' humanity, foretelling His death and burial.

The Star of the East May Have Been a Natural Phenomenon

The star is a significant element in Matthew’s account, as it guided the Wise Men to the house where Jesus lay. Known as the Star of Bethlehem or the Star of Jesus, some believe it may have been a shooting star or another astronomical event.

Were the Wise Men Really Kings?

Although they are often called the “Three Kings,” the Bible does not refer to them as kings but as magi, meaning “wise men.” Some scholars believe they may have been priests or astrologers.

The Day of the Three Wise Men holds deep significance for Catholics, symbolizing the first revelation of Jesus to the world. It also serves as a reminder that faith is a lifelong journey—a journey requiring the same perseverance and love that the Wise Men showed on their quest to meet Jesus.

Three Kings Bread Recipe

In celebration of this special day for our Hispanic community, we're excited to share a recipe for the traditional Three Kings Bread. Download it here and enjoy making it with your loved ones!