On January 6, Christians celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany).
On this day, January 6, Catholic Christians celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings, also known in Christian tradition as the Epiphany. According to Christian tradition, this day commemorates the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to all people. It marks the visit of the wise men from the East, who followed a star to the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem, where they recognized him as king and presented him with three gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Interestingly, the Bible does not actually specify how many wise men there were. The number three became established later, mainly because of the three gifts they brought. In Slovenia, they were given the names Gašper, Miha, and Boltežar, which derive from the Latin names Kasper, Melchior, and Balthazar. Artistic depictions of the wise men as coming from the three then-known continents appeared in late antiquity and the Middle Ages. The purpose of these representations was to emphasize that Jesus is meant for all people of the world. All these details remind us how stories and traditions develop and evolve across different cultures over the centuries.
The journey of the Three Kings, guided by a star, calls us to openness, curiosity, and respect for differences, as well as to a willingness to engage in dialogue.
At the Intercultural Dialogue Association, we see this holiday as a powerful symbol of connecting cultures and faiths. May today be an opportunity to reflect on shared values such as peace, solidarity, and mutual respect, and serve as an encouragement to build bridges between people.
As the MKD Association, we are active in the field of interfaith dialogue throughout the year. You can read more about our activities related to interfaith dialogue HERE.
