Epiphany by Trinda Latherow ©2022
Acrylic on Canvas
Epiphany is a multicultural celebration, a time of revelation, and remembrance of Jesus’ birth. In some countries children traditionally did not receive their presents on Christmas Day but instead on Epiphany, in commemoration of the Wise Men’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.
Epiphany commemorates Christ’s baptism with a ceremonial cross dive. The day begins with Orthros and Liturgy services at the cathedral. Following Liturgy, a procession of clergy and faithful winds its way to the bayou. Once there, the Archbishop of America blesses the waters, as throngs of believers descend upon the water’s edge. The Gospel of the day is then read and a white dove is released to signify the descent of the Holy Spirit. Each year, a member of the community, typically a young woman from the church choir, is chosen to carry the dove in the procession. After the dove is released, the Archbishop casts a cross into the bayou and young men dive into the spring waters. The one diver who retrieves the cross is considered blessed for the entire year.
