By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor

After months of preparations, shopping, celebrations, decorating and cleanup, it might seem that Christmas is over. But for some, the Christian holiday season continues, at least until Monday and, for some observers, until Feb. 2.

For many the Epiphany goes unnoticed as a feast day, but it is noted by some Christian denominations on Jan. 6 and notes the arrival of the three Wise Men.

Some Tristate clergy note that while the day doesn't get much attention in the United States, the world has not abandoned its observance.

Father Mario Ongaro, a priest from Italy with the Comboni Missionaries in Anderson Township, points out that in some rural parts of Europe children do not receive their Christmas gifts until the Feast of the Epiphany..

"It's actually a completion of the Christmas season, an acknowledgment that Jesus was not only visited by the shepherds but also by these astrologers who saw the star," he said. "They make Jesus known not only to Israel but to the world."

In the Hispanic tradition, the Epiphany, or Los Tres Reyes Magos as it is known, also carries added significance and is another cause for celebration, said Father William Jansen, director of Hispanic ministries for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

The three kings "represent authority and society. The shepherds were symbolic of the poor people of the world and those in Israel. Christ was revealed to the poor first, but now the whole world sees Christ," he said. And the gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, were fit for a king. Father Ongaro notes that gold symbolizes his royalty, frankincense his spirituality and myrrh the life of pain that was to follow.

So how will the Epiphany be celebrated around the world? For some a visit to church despite the fact that it falls on a Monday. And many Hispanics will celebrate with a pastry, la rosca. But the Christmas holiday won't end there. Instead, it will conclude on Feb. 2 with the Feast of the Purification. That day observes Mary and Joseph's first trip to the Temple to present Jesus.

Mosque reopens

Today the Columbus Islamic Center will host an open house to celebrate its reopening after it was attacked by vandals last year. The open house, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 1428 E. Broad St., will include Zuhr, or noon prayer, at 12:30 p.m., a reopening ceremony at 1 p.m. and tours at 1:30 p.m..

Last year, vandals broke into the building, causing extensive damage to all three floors..There are 30,000 Muslims in central Ohio and 130,000 in the state.

A family affair

Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, 2009 Pogue Ave., will host a concert as part of its Women's Day events Sunday. Members of the Smith and Lowry family choirs will sing a mixture of gospel and sacred music as part of the 3:30 p.m. event.

"Music is a part of our Women's Day every year, but this year we decided to include our families," said Nancy Lowry Elmore, one of the performers in the concert. A $5 donation is recommended for admission.

To submit religion news items, e-mail to kvance@fuse.net or fax to (513) 755-4150.