The 'Epiphany season' is a liturgical period which begins at the
Epiphany and ends at various points depending on usage.
Roman Catholic Church
In the
Roman Catholic Church the Epiphany season begins at the Epiphany vigil Mass on
January 5 and runs until either
January 13 or
Septuagesima. Different texts apply different uses to the term, although they are essentially the same season.
If
January 5 is a Sunday, the
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is kept on that date, and the Epiphany season is not begun until that evening. The feast of the
Holy Family takes place during the Epiphany season.
January 13 marks the octave day of the Epiphany. An octave day is the day occurring eight days following a feast, marking the close of the feast. Some texts claim that the Epiphany season ends on its octave day. Others say that the season continues until
Septuagesima, the seventh Sunday before Easter.
Church of England
In the
Church of England, the Epiphany season begins at
Evening Prayer on the Eve of the Epiphany (which may be celebrated on
6 January or the Sunday between 2 and 8 January) and ends at Evening Prayer (or
Night Prayer) on the
Feast of the Presentation (which may be celebrated on
2 February or on the Sunday between 28 January and 3 February). The colour for the season is white.