From llc@2gb.net Thu Dec 03 13:38:39 1998
Subject: ASSC AFTSD The original Epiphany (a history lesson, non SC version)
From: LLC <llc@2gb.net>

Christ's Epiphany to the World

      January 6


Epiphany is a Greek word meaning manifestation and this feast is
celebrated on January 6 to mark the presentation of Baby Jesus to the
three wise men. At one time it was the date of the celebration of
Christmas itself. But now it marks the twelfth and last day of the
Christmas season.

When the three Wise Men - Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar - arrived in
Jerusalem, they inquired after the place of birth of the Christ-child,
whom they mentioned King of the Jews. King Herod, who was the actual
ruler in those days, felt threatened by this denomination of the
new-born Jesus. He invited the three Wise Men to return to his court
following their visit to the Christ-child. If they would be as courteous
as to tell him where they had found the new 'King', he, King Herod,
could bring the Christ-child some gifts too. In point of fact Herod was
planning to eliminate his rival. It panned out differently. An angel
warned the three Wise Men in a dream not to return to Herod. After their
visit to Bethlehem they went straight to their own countries.

The Feast of the Epiphany was traditionally a night of fun and games,
and also when Christmas decorations were taken down. In fact, it is
meant to bring bad luck if your house remains decorated after the
twelfth night. It was customary to eat a specially baked Twelfth Night
Cake on the occasion. In Britain the cake was baked with a single bean
in it. The person who found the bean in their slice of cake was named
Bean King or Queen and they could then choose a partner to help them
rule over the games and the celebration.

LLC

I'd like to be the first to name Laar the Bean King.  I'm interested in
who he chooses to be his Queen in bean-ness.