Epiphany a gift that is wrapped in varying meanings
By K. Connie Kang, Times Staff Writer
January 6, 2007

In the Western branch of Christianity generally, Epiphany commemorates the visit of the three wise men from the East, who, "following yonder star," as a hymn says, traversed afar to see baby Jesus and to show their adoration with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In some Spanish-speaking countries, Jan. 6 is known as El Dia de los Reyes, or the Day of the Kings.

But in the Eastern Church — composed of about 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide — Epiphany takes on a more complex theological meaning. The focal point is the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and the appearance of the Holy Spirit. the rest art