Shea Simmons
If you’re someone who takes their holiday decorations the moment Christmas is over, seeing someone leave their decoration up beyond New Year’s might seem odd. Turns out, though, that there’s a reason for it.
Many people leave their Christmas trees up until Jan. 6 in observance of the Feast of Epiphany.
If you’re not familiar with the religious celebration, it’s part of some Christian traditions and marks the official end of the Christmas season. Epiphany is the day that the three kings arrived to give their gifts to the baby Jesus. In fact, it’s often sometimes called Three Kings Day.
Those who know the carol “12 Days of Christmas,” already know a bit about Epiphany even if they don’t realize it. While the celebration doesn’t have much to do with five golden rings or ten lords-a-leaping, the feast is celebrated over the same 12 days mentioned in the song. Those are the days that lead up to Epiphany. As a way to celebrate, many choose to leave their holiday decorations up—including their trees—through the big day.
Admittedly, the Feast of Epiphany is not a major celebration in every Christian tradition like Christmas itself. It’s typically celebrated at a church service with a sermon (and maybe a lunch or dinner depending on the people). No matter how its celebrated, though, it’s a fine reason to leave that Christmas tree up just a bit longer.
Need some help keeping your tree fresh through Epiphany? Check out this oft-cited hack we debunked!
[Via Taste of Home]
