For some, January Sixth is a holy day: The Feast of the Epiphany. Theologically, it represents the moment when the Christ Child's divinity was recognized by the greater world (represented in the form of the three foreign Magi). The word, Epiphany, derives from the ancient Koine Greek "epipháneia," meaning "manifestation" or "appearance." The Epiphany is observed by most Christian denominations, though the date may vary based on the calendar system each particular denomination uses. For some Christians, Epiphany celebrations are bigger than those of Christmas. And the name, Epiphany, may be called "Theophany," "Three Kings' Day" or "Little Christmas."
The trio of Wise Men, shown above, were made in Russia. They are made of cast terracotta, hand-painted and embellished with gold. They were part of a collection of Christmas ornaments I imported from Russia to sell in the shop—a decade before Putin invaded Crimea.
Though I love these little sculptures, I confess they do not reflect very well the descriptions of the Magi passed-down through tradition (beginning with Saint Bede in the Eighth Century). Melchior is described as an elderly, long-bearded Persian; Balthasar, a heavily-bearded Arab with a Black complexion; and Gaspar is a young, clean-shaven Indian. The Bible does not specify precisely where the Magi come from (other than "from the East")—nor does it describe them physically. But the Magi, held in awe as highly-educated scientists and scholars, were intended to represent the far corners of the known world.
This trio is now in my personal collection which I use to decorate our home at Christmastime.
Sadly, "J6" will forever bear an alternative meaning. Most Americans disapprove of the J6 Insurrection—though, sadly, an increasing number of followers embrace the attempted coup as positive, justified and necessary.
As for me, I choose to "Keep The Epiphany in January Sixth."
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