Epiphany Feast and Celebrations

January 6th

January 6^th known as the Epiphany, takes place twelve days after Christmas and is a Christian Feast Day. It traditionally ends the Christmas season and is often celebrated with many different traditions around the world. The 6^th of January is when Christians believe the Magi visited the infant Jesus. The word Magi is plural of Magus and is a difficult word to translate. In English it is often translated as ‘The Three Wise Men’ but others refer to them as Three Kings, Astrologers or Sages. 

Food and Feasts

Food plays an important part of the festivities and celebrations on this day. In Ireland it is known as Nollaig na mBan or Little Christmas and was often a traditional ‘day off’ for women to rest from housework and eat cake and drink tea with friends. Some parts of Ireland still carry out this tradition. In Spain it is referred to as Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) and is celebrated with a feast of food such as seafood and meat dishes, cake and tapas. In France the kings cake ‘Galette des Rois’ is shared with friends and family and often contains a hidden coin or jewel. In Mexico they hold street dances and music and serve hot chocolate and tamales (corn dough and filling of choice). In Poland, an old tradition existed that housewives baked bread and the bread was given to carol singers. In Greece the Holy Theophany (also known as the Epiphany) is a very special feast and celebrated with lights called ‘Ta Fota’ with local traditions and food.

End of Christmas Season

Epiphany Celebrations are a great way for many families and friends to enjoy cooking up a feast as the Christmas season comes to an end.

Tips for Safe Cooking:

·      Ensure any raw or cooked meats are stored separately.

·      Ensure meat, especially pork and poultry are thoroughly cooked and the required core temperature is reached.

·      Take care if reheating food, ensure that it is reheated at the correct temperature and for the correct length of time.

·      Remember you don’t have to eat everything, you can freeze in portions and perhaps enjoy a second feast – even

       one of your own invention!

For a full range of cooking thermometers, data loggers and other temperature equipment check out https://www.techrissystems.com/food-and-catering