On Sunday, many Christians observe the Feast of the Epiphany, an
ancient holy day which has many interesting traditions connected
with it.
On Sunday, many Christians observe the Feast of the Epiphany, an ancient holy day which has many interesting traditions connected with it.
“Epiphany” comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “showing forth.” (When not capitalized, it means “a flash of understanding or insight.”) When this feast began to be celebrated in the Eastern Church on Jan. 6 in the third century, it focused on the baptism of Jesus.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Immediately afterward, the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended in the form of a dove and a heavenly voice said, “This is my son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
This dramatic incident showed to all the divinity of Jesus. Consequently, the Eastern Orthodox churches emphasize Epiphany as a day for performing baptisms, and water is solemnly blessed by bishops at that time.
Some Greek communities engage in a special ceremony on Epiphany. After the Gospel is read and a white dove is released, a bishop or priest throws a metal cross into a river or other body of water. Divers try to retrieve it, with the winner receiving a special blessing.
When the Feast of the Epiphany was introduced into the Western Church a century later, it emphasized a different incident showing the divinity of Jesus: the visit of the Wise Men (or “Magi”) to the Christ Child in Bethlehem. These gentile visitors symbolize that Jesus was to be Lord of all people. Little is known of these Wise Men. The tradition of there being three comes from the number of gifts brought: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
An ancient legend tells about the Wise Men encountering on their journey an old woman named Befanal. She wanted to accompany them, but asked them to wait until she could finish her household chores. They couldn’t wait for her, and when she finally set out to seek the baby, it was too late, so she has been wandering ever since, searching for him.
An Italian folk tale teaches children that she climbs down the chimneys of houses on the Eve of Epiphany, bringing gifts to children just as the Wise Men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. In Spain and some other countries, presents are exchanged on Epiphany rather than Christmas Eve or Day.
Medieval England celebrated Christmas for 12 days (the origin of the popular song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”). The Feast of Epiphany marked the end of this season: it was known as “Twelfth Night” and was a time of great partying. (Shakespeare’s play of this title was meant to be performed as part of the festivities of Epiphany.)
In some parts of the United States, special customs have developed to celebrate Epiphany. Some communities collect Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations to burn in a huge bonfire on this night. Then people adjourn inside for refreshments featuring Epiphany Cake – a delicacy baked with a small gold cross inserted into it. The person who finds the cross in his or her portion is expected to have good luck for the remainder of the year (assuming the cross isn’t swallowed or a tooth isn’t broken).
