epiphany
Origin of epiphany
OTHER WORDS FROM epiphany
ep·i·phan·ic [ep-uh-fan-ik], /ˌɛp əˈfæn ɪk/, e·piph·a·nous, adjectiveWords nearby epiphany
WHAT IS THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY?
What is the Feast of the Epiphany?
The Feast of the Epiphany (often simply called Epiphany) is a Christian holiday. In the Western Church, it celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Christ (the prophesied Messiah or Savior) to the Magi (popularly known as the three wise men) and to all Gentiles (non-Jews).
In the Eastern Church, the Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus and the revelation of his divinity.
The Feast of the Epiphany is considered the twelfth and final day of the Christmas celebration.
For this reason, it is sometimes called Twelfth Day.
Many Christians observe the Epiphany as the end of the Christmas season and it is traditional to leave up Christmas decorations until this day.
In some places, the Feast of the Epiphany is considered to mark the start of Carnival season—the period of feasting and merriment before Lent.
When is the Feast of the Epiphany?
The Feast of the Epiphany is commonly observed on January 6. In some branches of the Eastern Church, it is celebrated on January 19. In either case, it is observed 12 days after Christmas.
More information and context on the Feast of the Epiphany
The word epiphany can be used in a general way to refer to “an appearance or manifestation, especially of a deity,” and this is what the Feast of the Epiphany commemorates. It is among the oldest Christian holidays.
The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in different ways around the world, including with special cakes. In some places, people exchange gifts on Epiphany rather than Christmas.
What are some terms that often get used in discussing the Feast of the Epiphany?
How is the Feast of the Epiphany discussed in real life?
The Feast of the Epiphany is observed by many Christians as the end of the Christmas season. It is traditional to take down Christmas decorations on the day.
In Italy, however, today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Christmas because we will have the feast of the Epiphany on the 6th. The Epiphany is a public holiday in our country.
— Friar Mario Conte (@FriarMario) January 2, 2022
OMG! It's the day after the Feast of the Epiphany and I have not packed away the Christmas decorations! Serious etiquette failure!
— Ben Hider (@benhider) January 7, 2011
For everyone who dreads taking down the Christmas tree, remember that we're in the twelve days of Christmas until Epiphany on January 6th, so you have plenty of time to lay about and enjoy it✨
— 𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕪𝕒'𝕤 𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕖𝕝𝕕𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕟 (@_desert_bones) December 26, 2021
Try using the Feast of the Epiphany!
True or False?
The Feast of the Epiphany is considered the twelfth day of the Christmas celebration.
How to use epiphany in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for epiphany (1 of 2)
Derived forms of epiphany
epiphanic (ˌɛpɪˈfænɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for epiphany
British Dictionary definitions for epiphany (2 of 2)
Cultural definitions for epiphany
A festival in Christianity celebrating the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. Epiphany means “a showing forth” — in this case a showing forth of Jesus to the Gentiles.