Epiphany, known as 'Heilige Drei Könige' in Austria, is a significant holiday celebrated on January 6th every year, following the twelve days of Christmas. It's a public holiday and has deep roots in the nation's Christian faith. Traditionally, it marks the day the Wise Men (Three Kings) visited the baby Jesus, according to Christian lore. Epiphany in Austria serves as the official end to the holiday season, following a series of festive Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
A popular custom in Austria during Epiphany is the house blessing tradition, where local priests or children dressed as the Three Kings go from house to house, sprinkling holy water and chalking a blessing for the new year on the door. The chalked inscription typically includes the initials of the Three Kings (C, M, B which stand for Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) and the numerals of the new year. This custom is intended to bring good luck and blessings for those residing in the house for the coming year.
Epiphany in Austria is not solely about religious services and blessings; it also includes special dishes and treats. As a part of the celebration, Austrians bake a special Epiphany cake 'Dreikönigskuchen' or Three Kings' Cake. Small figurines or beans are hidden inside the cake and whoever finds it in their slice is said to have good luck for the rest of the year and is often crowned as the 'King' or 'Queen' of the day. Overall, Epiphany adds a symbolic final touch to the chain of Yuletide festivities in Austria.