Epiphany in Croatia ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Epiphany in Croatia and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Epiphany, also known as Theophany, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. In Eastern Christianity, the feast is celebrated on January 6 in commemoration of the Nativity of Christ, while in Western Christianity, it is celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6.
The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia), which means “manifestation” or “appearance”. This feast commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the world, when the Magi (Three Wise Men) visited him after his birth.
In Croatia, the feast of Epiphany is celebrated with special foods and customs. One tradition is the making of a special cake called koljivo, which is made from wheat, honey, and nuts. This cake is blessed by a priest and then eaten by the family.
Another tradition is the blessing of water. On Epiphany, a priest will bless a body of water, such as a river or a lake. This blessed water is then used by people throughout the year for various purposes, such as healing the sick or protecting against evil spirits.
Finally, Epiphany is also a time for giving gifts, particularly to children. In Croatia, it is common for children to receive presents from Djed Mraz (Grandfather Frost), a figure who is similar to Santa Claus.