Page "Epiphany (holiday)" Paragraph 74

Epiphany is know in Latvia as Trijkungu diena ( Three Kings Day ) or Zvaigznes diena ( Star Day ) after the custom of star singing, and the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to the Christ Child.

In the past bright stars of fabric were sewn onto the background of dark colored quilts, representing the night sky.

Epiphany was a day of enjoyment, spent in horse-drawn open sleighs, and these quilts would then be taken along to cover the laps of the merry riders.

If Epiphany Day was bright and mild and the sun “ warmed the horses ’ backs ” it was said that the coming year would bring only peace.

If the night before Epiphany saw clear starry skies, it meant Latvia could expect a fine harvest in the coming Summer.

Weaving and wood-cutting were “ bad luck ", giving both men and women a proper holiday, and if a dog was heard barking on Epiphany one ought to look for his or her future spouse in that same direction.

Special three corner apple cakes are eaten on this day, and as in other countries, star singing, visiting and house blessings have long been popular.