Current Liturgical Season: Epiphanytide
The Season of Epiphany begins with the Feast of Epiphany (Jan. 6), which marks the end of Christmas (the 12-day Feast of the Nativity). Epiphany means “manifestation” and celebrates God’s revelation of Himself to the nations (non-Jewish peoples) in the person of Jesus. This feast is often associated with the visit of the magi (wise men/kings). These Gentile seekers bring their tribute from foreign lands and are the first Gentiles to honor the Christ-child as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Epiphany season also includes the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus and officially ends 40 days after Christmas Day with the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord at the Temple. This concludes the three-part Incarnation cycle (Advent → Christmas → Epiphany).
The liturgical color of the Feast of Epiphany is gold and white (as a continuation of Christmas). Some traditions keep the gold and white colors all the way through the Feast of the Presentation. Others shift to the color of Ordinary Time (green). The practice of house blessings is traditional during Epiphanytide.