Epiphany

A realisation that allows a problem to be understood in a different way is epiphany, just like Archimedes’ discovery to calculate the volume of an irregular object is considered epiphany. This also is a common term found in the present-day novels. Authors like Katherine Mansfield, Marcel Proust and Ezra Pound use epiphany in their work. However, Epiphany is also a Christian holiday celebrated 12 days after Christmas.

Epiphany, also called Feast of the Epiphany, Theophany, or Three Kings’ Day, is derived from the Greek word epiphaneia which means “to reveal”. This feast is celebrated on the 6^th of January, 12 days after Christmas. It commemorates how a star led the Magi or the three kings or wise men, to baby Jesus. Countries celebrate on the evening before, and on the actual day solemnise with parades of decorative floats. People turn out in costumes as kings bearing gifts. This was the day when baby Jesus was ‘revealed’ to the world.

In Spain, children traditionally do not receive their presents on Christmas Day, instead they are given presents on 6 January. Christians believe that it took 12 days after the birth of Jesus for the wise men, to travel to Bethlehem for the Epiphany when they recognized him as the son of God. Epiphany is primarily observed by Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican Christians. However, many Protestant believers don’t understand the spiritual significance behind this holiday, which is one of the earliest feasts of the Christian church. Epiphany is known as the holiday of light and finds representation with a dish of oranges, blood oranges, clementines or tangerines on the dinner table. Dried figs nestle among the dessert treats, which include spicy-exotic cakes. Because the Magi hailed from the Orient, spicy cake is a traditional Epiphany staple.

There is an old legend of a 4th Wiseman named Artaban. Like the other 3 wise men, he sees signs in the heaven proclaiming that a King had been born among the Jews. And so, he sets out to see the newborn ruler, carrying treasures to give as gifts to the child – a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl of great price. The names of the 3 wise men were Gaspar (or Caspar), Melchior, and Balthasar. They brought along with them three symbolic gifts to give to Jesus. They were Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since then, this event included in the Gospel of Matthew, is celebrated in all Spanish speaking countries around the world.