Epiphany (Greek, "the appearance; miraculous phenomenon") is a Christian feast intended to celebrate the 'shining forth' or revelation of God to humankind in human form, in the person of Jesus. The observance had its origins in the eastern Christian churches, and included the birth of Jesus; the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) who arrived in Bethlehem; and all of Jesus' childhood events, up to his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist. The feast was initially based on, and viewed as a fulfillment of, the Jewish Feast of Lights. This was fixed on January 6. Ancient Liturgies speak of Illuminatio, Manifestatio, Declaratio (Light, Manifest (show), Declare) cf St. Matthew's Gospel (iii, 13-17); St. Luke's (iii, 22); and St. John's (ii, 1-11); where the Baptism and Cana are dwelt upon. The Christian Churches have traditionally also talked of a Revelation to the Gentiles where the term 'Gentile' meant all non-Jewish peoples. The Biblical Magi representing the non-Jewish peoples of the world.

Read the complete article at Wikipedia