Epiphany
The season of Epiphany, which begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, varies in length depending on the date set for Easter, and lasts until the Feast of the Presentation. With the exception of Easter, it is the oldest season of the church year.
In the early church, it was a time when new converts were admitted to the church after a period of preparation. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek - epiphaneia - which means, manifestation - showing forth. Epiphany observances emphasise the manifestation of Jesus as "Light to the Gentiles" and the "Glory of Israel" to Simeon when Jesus was presented at the temple, the manifestation of Jesus as God's beloved Son at His baptism, and the manifestation of Jesus to the whole world as represented by the Wise Men of the East.
Like several other Christian seasons, Epiphany was appropriated by the church from a pagan festival. As early as 2000 B.C., the Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice (which then occurred on January 6) with a tribute to Aeon, the Virgin. At first, Epiphany was a celebration of both the birth and baptism of Jesus. After Christmass became a separate season, Epiphany became an observance of Jesus' baptism in the Eastern church and of the visit of the Wise Men (Magi) in the Western church.
No number of Wise Men is given in the New Testament but the three gifts presented to the Christ Child, gold, frankincense and myrrh, have led to the assumption that there were three. No where is it suggested that they were Kings.
Within the Orthodox church Epiphany is still the time when Christmass gifts are given to friends and family.
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