The festival of Epiphany falls on Saturday January 6 and marks the official end of Christmas for worshippers across the world.
The date is also key for people across Britain because all Christmas trees and decorations should have been taken down the night before it starts.
What is Epiphany?
The holy day of Epiphany is celebrated by Western churches almost two weeks after Christmas.
It falls the day after Twelfth Night on January 5 and follows the Twelve Days of Christmas, the period between Christmas Day and Epiphany.
In Western Christianity, Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi – the Three Wise Men – to the baby Jesus.
According to British tradition, Christmas decorations must be taken down on Epiphany Eve, also known as Twelfth Night.
When should you take the Christmas tree down?
Twelfth Night is considered to be either on January 5 or January 6 depending on the branch of Christianity followed.
The Church of England says the season of Christmas lasts for twelve days, culminating in another feast – that of the Epiphany on January 6”.
Under this tradition, Twelfth Night takes place on January 5.
Since the 19th century, it has been considered unlucky to keep Christmas firs, tinsel and lights up past Twelfth Night.
Superstition has it that tree spirits living in the greenery during winter must be released back outside once Christmas is over.
If the custom isn’t followed then believers say agriculture will be cursed, leading to food shortages.
However, in some countries Epiphany is held on January 19 because worshippers follow the Julien calendar for religious festivals and Christmas Eve falls on January 6.
Many countries that celebrate the Orthodox date include Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Serbia.
Eastern Orthodox churches believe the feast day is the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God during his baptism by John the Baptist.
It is traditional in Eastern Orthodox religions to be plunged into freezing water to commemorate Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
Christians who do not follow the the rule that Christmas trees must come down on Twelfth Night, will remove on theirs by Candlemas on February 2.
The UK follows the Church of England tradition so festive lights should be put back in the cupboard for another year by the end of January 5.