Catholic Epiphany
Description:
On January 6, the three Kings wish Vilnius a successful year every year. They, accompanied by law enforcement officers, follow from the Ostrobram Gate to the Cathedral Square.
The theatrical procession is attended by seven main characters - three-meter Magi Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar (Casparas, Myarkyalis and Baltazaras), archangel and shepherds. The three kings wish the city a productive, successful year and bring gifts to the nursery in the main square of Vilnius.
The procession ends with a performance based on the biblical plot “Bethlehem”.
On the feast of the Three Kings, chalk is consecrated in churches, with which the letters K+M+B are written on the doors of the house, protecting against evil spirits and lightning. This custom was first mentioned in the Lithuanian collection of sermons in the XVI century.
According to the Gospel, the three magi came to Bethlehem to honor the newborn King and brought him a gift of gold, incense, which, like prayer, ascends to heaven, and symbolizes eternal life to the world.