Epiphany

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Epiphany is the date in the Christian calendar which commemorates the visit of the three kings (Magi) to the infant Jesus, as celebrated in the well known Christmas Carol, "We Three Kings of Orient Are". On the spiritual level, it is intended to celebrate the revelation of God to mankind in the form of Jesus Christ. It is usually celebrated on 6th January, except in the US where it takes place on the Sunday following the first Saturday in January.

In the Coptic Orthodox Christian Church and several Eastern Orthodox Churches it is celebrated on 6th January in the Julian calendar (corresponding to the 19th January in the Western/Gregorian calendar). It is used to celebrate the "blessing of baptism."

The word Epiphany is derived from a Greek word meaning "manifestation".

The festival is almost universally celebrated throughout Christianity. Around the world, the celebration is known as Three Kings Day, The Day of the Kings, The Day of the Three Magi or Holy Day of The Blackmen.

The celebration originally included the birth of Jesus Christ, the visit of the Magi or Wise Men (The Three Kings) and all of the childhood events up to Christ’s baptism in the Jordan by John The Baptist.

Until the 1970s Epiphany was celebrated as an eight day festival running from 6th January until the Octave of Epiphany on 13th January in Western churches. Many Roman Catholics continue this practice to this day.

The actual practices held to celebrate Epiphany vary enormously.

See also Twelfth Night. © 2007 Frann Leach. All rights reserved.