Epiphany

So today is the start of Epiphany. Not being a devout christian I've never thought about it before.

But what is Epiphany? A root around the Internet wasn't much help. The Catholic site was positively confusing.

It seems to have different meanings to different people and christian denominations -

Epiphany - extends to Ash Wednesday

Sometimes known as Three kings Day

Epiphany means - to show or make known,

Epiphany -a noun- A realisation.

The twelve days of Christmas end with the Feast of Epiphany also called "The Adoration of the Magi" or "The Manifestation of God."

Celebrated on January 6, it is known as the day of the Three Kings (or wise men/magi): Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. According to an old legend based on a Bible story, these three kings saw, on the night when Christ was born, a bright star, followed it to Bethlehem and found there the Christchild and presented it with gold, frankincense and myrrh.
January 6, is the last day of Christmas, and comes with its own traditions, rituals and symbols. In many homes the Christmas tree is taken down and in some areas is burnt in a big bonfire. For the children this is an especially joyous occasion because, associated with taking down the tree goes the "plündern" (raiding) of the tree. The sweets, chocolate ornaments wrapped in foil or cookies, which have replaced the sugar plums, are the raiders' rewards.

So last night was 12th Night, the official end of the Christmas period. My meager decorations mostly came down several days ago and today the rest followed and are now stowed away in the attic. Cards have been looked through a final time and awaiting recycling. The wreath's removed from the front door. It was a new wreath this year and a real one. The trouble is it's so nice I can bear to chuck it out yet so its hung up on my easel in the studio.

The early morning frost clears to a bright, cold clear sunny day. The algae on the tree trunks glow bright green in the sun light. I have a wander round the garden while Dave devours the Sunday papers in the conservatory.

Around the garden new life is sprouting through the cold soil. Snowdrops. iris, daffodils and even these miniature tulips are shooting through. They're all too early though. The tulips shouldn't be visible for at least another months.