Epiphany - From Greek Mythology to Christianity

What Is Epiphany and When It Is Celebrated?

Epiphany in Greek Mythology

Epiphany is a term describing a vision of a god or another higher entity. In ancient Greece, epiphanies (yes, plural; they had numerous gods, which, in addition, were able to transform themselves) were quite often. Especially when something important was about to happen or was already happening, an epiphany was expected.

For instance, if a king was going to war, he might ask for assistance from the gods, and the gods might answer in one of the forms they were using. Or, a god had their plan, and appeared to a human, who might be used as a tool for the gods' goals.

There are also reports, for instance, during the Persian Wars, about sightings of Theseus, fighting with the Greeks against the Persians. Pan, a god of the wild, promised Pheidippides his support, and Pheidippides later brought the news about the win at the Marathon. Delphi, the most sacred place for ancient Greeks, was supposedly defended by supernatural beings (two giants defended it from Xerxes) and a hero (Apollo against the Gauls).

Athena mentored Achilles, helping him win many fights through her guidance. She channeled his strength and softened his impulsiveness. Athena was also a powerful protector of Odysseus.

Demeter, who lost her daughter Persephone, helped a human family raise their child. But they mistreated her, and she revealed to them her true divine identity. They had to build a temple devoted to her. While the story about the abduction of Persephone is well-covered in art, we can also direct you to a rare opportunity when the artist (Roberto Rascovich) focused on the mourning of Demeter.
 

Not all the epiphanies were altruistic, though. Zeus, for instance, changes himself into a golden shower to enchant and impregnate Danae.

A vision was not the only possibility. A god might interfere with humans through dreams, strange happenings in nature, or other phenomena.

Epiphany in Christianity

One of the reasons for the success of the Christian religion was its ability to absorb local customs into a centralized faith built around Jesus Christ. Greek epiphanies were one such custom that Christians adapted. Instead of gods making appearances, the tradition centers on kings—specifically the three magi, a term previously used for priests in several earlier religions. Named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, these magi appear to baby Jesus and his parents, bringing gifts and blessings. In many countries, the day they visited is celebrated as the Baptism of Jesus. This event links ancient practices of divine revelation to the evolving Christian narrative. Especially in Western churches, the evening before the Epiphany (January 5th) is celebrated as the Twelfth Night or Epiphany Eve.

Sometimes Epiphany is called Theophany, Three Kings Day, the Baptism of Jesus, or Little Christmas. The complexity of its celebration also reflects its layered origins. For example, it's celebrated on January 6th (Gregorian calendar), January 16th (Julian calendar), or even the first Sunday after New Year's Eve in some countries—occasionally as late as January 19th. Regardless of the specific date, Epiphany remains a major Christian holiday in the January calendar, carrying forward the legacy of divine revelations.

Numerous Epiphany customs include attending church services, fasting, chalking the door, water and houses blessings, solemn processions, eating Three Kings Cake, singing (classic Epiphany carols are: "We Three Kings of Orient Are"," As with Gladness, Men of Old", "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise", and "The Three Kings"), winter swimming, and removing Christmas decorations. Again, customs and dates are not universal.

The main difference between Eastern and Western churches is the reason for celebrations. In the East, the focus is on the Baptism of Jesus; in the West, the Baptism is barely mentioned, and the coming of the Magi is emphasized.