What Is Epiphany?
Also Known as Three Kings Day and Twelfth
Day
Because Epiphany is primarily observed by Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican Christians,
many Protestant believers don't understand the spiritual significance behind
this holiday, one of earliest feasts of the Christian church.
What Is Epiphany?
Epiphany, also known as "Three Kings Day" and "Twelfth Day," is a Christian holiday commemorated
on January 6.
It falls on the twelfth day after Christmas, and for some
denominations signals the conclusion of the Christmas season. (The 12days between
Christmas and Epiphany are known as the “Twelve
Days of Christmas.”)
Though many different cultural and denominational customs are
practiced, in general, the feast celebrates the manifestation of God to the
world in the form of human flesh through Jesus Christ, His Son.
The word epiphany means
"appearance," “manifestation,” or “revelation" and is commonly
linked in Western Christianity with the visit of the wise men (Magi)
to the Christ child (Matthew 2:1-12).
Through the Magi, Christ revealed himself to the gentiles.
In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany puts emphasis on the baptism of
Jesus by John, with Christ revealing himself to the world as God's own
Son. (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)
Likewise, on Epiphany some denominations commemorate Jesus' first
miracle of turning water into wine at the Wedding in Cana, signifying
the manifestation of Christ's divinity as well. (John
2:1-11)
In the early days of church history before Christmas was observed,
Epiphany celebrated both the birth of Jesus and His baptism.
Unique Cultural Celebrations of Epiphany
If you were fortunate enough to have grown up
in a town such as Tarpon Springs, Florida, where I attended high school, then
you are probably quite familiar with some of the unique cultural celebrations
associated with Epiphany.
What I remember vividly about this ancient church holiday is
skipping school each year on Epiphany to see many of my classmates (young men
ages 16-18 of the Greek Orthodox faith) dive into the chilly waters of Spring
Bayou to retrieve the cherished cross.
The "blessing of waters" and "diving for the
cross" ceremonies were famous in our predominately Greek community, and
that fame was shared for a year by one special Greek classmate who had the
honor of recovering the crucifix and
receiving the traditional full-year's blessing.
After more than 100 years of celebrating this tradition, the annual
Greek Orthodox festival in Tarpon Springs continues to draw large crowds.
Unfortunately, many observers do not understand the true meaning
behind these Epiphany ceremonies.
Today in Europe, Epiphany celebrations are sometimes just as
important as Christmas, with celebrants exchanging gifts on Epiphany instead of
Christmas, or on both holidays.
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http://christianity.about.com/od/christmas/f/whatisepiphany.htm
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