kids encyclopedia robot

Epiphany facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Edward Burne-Jones - The Adoration of the Magi - Google Art Project
The Adoration of the Magi by Edward Burne-Jones (1904)

The word Epiphany can mean a few different things. It often refers to a sudden, important realization. It is also a special Christian holiday.

Understanding Epiphany

This section explores the main idea behind the word "epiphany." It's about those moments when things suddenly become clear.

What is a Sudden Insight?

An epiphany is a sudden moment when you understand something very clearly. It's like a big "aha!" moment that can change how you think. This feeling can help you solve problems or see things in a new way. These insights often come when you least expect them.

Epiphanies in Stories and Art

Writers and artists often use epiphanies in their stories and artworks. A character might suddenly realize a truth about themselves. This realization can make them change their actions or help them grow. For example, a character might suddenly understand why a friend acted a certain way. Famous paintings, like The Epiphany by Hieronymus Bosch, show moments of great understanding or revelation.

The Christian Holiday of Epiphany

This section focuses on the religious meaning of the word.

Celebrating the Magi's Visit

The word "Epiphany" also names an important Christian holiday. It is celebrated on January 6th each year. This holiday remembers the visit of the Magi (often called the Three Wise Men) to baby Jesus. They followed a bright star to find him. Their visit showed that Jesus was important to people all over the world.

The Epiphany Season

The Epiphany holiday starts a special time called the Epiphany season. This season lasts for several weeks after January 6th. During this time, Christians often think about how Jesus was revealed to the world.

Ancient Manifestations

In ancient times, an epiphany could also mean when a god or goddess appeared to people. It was a visible sign of a deity's presence. People believed these appearances showed the god's power.

Other Uses of the Word Epiphany

The word "epiphany" is also used in other areas, sometimes as a name or a code word.

In Technology

  • Epiphany, Inc.: This was a company that made computer software.
  • Epiphany: This was an early name for GNOME Web, a web browser.
  • Epiphany: This is a special computer processor made by Adapteva.

See also

  • Epiphanes (disambiguation)
kids search engine
Epiphany Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.