Today, 6th January, is the Feast of the Epiphany which commemorates the visit of the Wise Men to worship the baby, Jesus. Tradition tells us that their names were Caspar, Melchior and Balthassar. These men were astrologers who were looking for the star that would lead them to the promised Messiah. This was prophesied in the Book of Micah. According to the Gospels, they brought expensive and meaningful gifts: gold to signify the importance of Jesus; Frankincense to indicate that He should be worshipped; Myrrh, which is used to anoint the bodies of the dead, indicating that the wise men foretold that He would suffer and die.
In Ireland, this day is also known as Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan (Women's Christmas) when Catholics are obliged to attend Mass.
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