Mother and daughter tea party celebrates the Epiphany

Anna Johnson, from left, Caroline Burns, Mary Monesmith and Kate Johnson of Indianapolis pull ribbons tied to Christmas ornaments from a crystal punch bowl to see if they will be crowned the “queen” of the tea party hosted by Leigh Dunnington-Jones to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord on Jan. 6. (Photo by Mary Ann Wyand)

By Mary Ann Wyand

“Does anyone know what the 12th day of Christmas is called?”

Artist Leigh Dunnington-Jones of Indianapolis smiled as one of the girls answered her question correctly.

“Yes, that’s right,” she said. “It’s the feast of the Epiphany.”

The Epiphany of the Lord—the Church’s feast commemorating the visit of the Magi, who brought gifts to honor the Christ Child in Bethlehem—is celebrated on Jan. 6 as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

For Eastern Rite Catholics, the Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Christ.

In Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Indianapolis, the Epiphany is a special day for a group of mothers and daughters from the historic Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood who gather for a formal tea party with Dunnington-Jones.

This year was her 17th annual Epiphany celebration, which includes Christmas carols, a treasure hunt and the crowning of one girl as the “queen” of the tea party.

“This year, I had 20 young ladies and their mothers—35 total— join me for tea,” Dunnington-Jones said. “I would like people to know that Christmas is a state of mind, and it doesn’t end on Dec. 25. The celebration can go on until at least Jan. 6. I keep a little bit of Christmas decorations out all year in my home. I keep Christmas in my heart.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary parishioner Sidney Eisgruber made the chocolate Epiphany cake, and several other mothers helped Dunnington-Jones prepare the scones, cucumber sandwiches and tasty delicacies.

“Her Victorian home is so beautiful,” Eisgruber said. “The Epiphany party is her way of giving back to the neighborhood.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary parishioner Shelby Goble, who is now an eighth-grader, has enjoyed nine tea parties.

She volunteered to help with kitchen duties this year because “it’s really important to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.” †