Epiphany << ih PIHF uh nee >> is a Christian festival. In Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, Epiphany commemorates the adoration of the infant Jesus by the Three Wise Men who had come from the East. In Eastern churches, it celebrates the baptism of Jesus. Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means to appear or to show oneself.
Most Christians celebrate Epiphany on January 6. Roman Catholics in the United States observe the festival on any Sunday from January 2 through January 8. During Epiphany in Western churches, Biblical texts are read in church that describe the various appearances of Jesus. In Eastern churches, the major observance is the blessing of baptismal water.
See also Twelfth Night.
