Epiphany (holiday) the beginning of "zapusty" or carnival time, when "pączki" (doughnuts) and "chrust" (Angel wings) are served. In Portugal, Epiphany, January 6, is called "dia dos Reis" (Day of the Kings), during which the traditional "Bolo Rei" (King cake) is baked and eaten. Plays and pageants are popular on this day, and parents often hold parties for their children. Epiphany is also a time when the traditional Portuguese dances known as "Mouriscadas" and "Paulitos" are performed. The latter is an elaborate stick dance. The dancers, who are usually men but may be dressed as women, manipulate sticks or staves (in imitation
Epiphany (holiday) Epiphany in some parts of central Europe the priest, wearing white vestments, blesses Epiphany water, frankincense, gold, and chalk. The chalk is used to write the initials of the three magi over the doors of churches and homes. The letters stand for the initials of the Magi (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar), and also the phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat", which translates as "may Christ bless the house". According to ancient custom, the priest announced the date of Easter on the feast of Epiphany. This tradition dated from a time when calendars were not readily available, and the church needed