Saturday will be the Christian holiday of Epiphany, celebrated on Jan. 6 for centuries.

What is Epiphany?

It’s one of the earliest Christian holidays, and in western church tradition celebrates the arrival of the Magi to visit the baby Jesus. It’s also known as the Feast of Epiphany or Three Kings Day.

The Eve of Epiphany marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas season on the liturgical calendar.

It was a tradition in Victorian England to celebrate the end of Christmas on Twelfth Night, taking down the evergreens of Christmas season and lighting a bonfire. Many Anglican and Catholic churches still view this as the proper time to take down Christmas trees, wreaths and other seasonal Christmas decorations.

Before the date of Christmas was set on Dec. 25 in the Fourth Century, Epiphany included the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, but now primarily celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, and the baptism of Jesus in some traditions.

The birth of Jesus and the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River were considered two “Epiphanies,” or events in which God revealed himself.

The Eastern Orthodox church commemorates the Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany. Icons representing the Baptism of Jesus are on display.

Epiphany starts the season of Epiphanytide, leading up to the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14. Ephiphanytide is characterized in many places by parades and celebrations that culminate in Mardi Gras, Feb. 13, the last celebratory day before the somber season of Lent, which is a time of fasting and preparation for Easter. For the western church, Easter will fall this year on March 31.

Around the world, Christmas is celebrated as late as Jan. 27 in the Coptic Church of Egypt. Churches usually celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6 or during worship services on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan 8.