The word Epiphany in Syriac is known as ‘Denha’. It means ‘dawn’ ‘revelation’ ‘manifestation’ etc.
In this season, the Church recalls the public life of Jesus which began with his baptism at Jordan. Jesus reveals Himself to the world. Father and the Holy Spirit witness to it: ‘ This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’ (Mt. 3:7)
The Feast of Denha which is celebrated on 6th January is called ‘Pindikuthiperunnal’ by faithful who live in the northern part of Kerala and ‘Rakkuli’ by people of the south. ‘Pindikuthiperunnal’ originated from the practice of going around the ‘vazhapindi’ decorated with lights and singing ‘God is light’ commemorating Jesus the light of the world. The name ‘Rakkuli’ came from the ritual bath that our forefathers used to have in the river or pool near by, on the eve of the feast. It was a religious ceremony. The most important themes commemorated during these days are the baptism of Jesus, His public life, His divine and human nature, His intimate relation with the Father and the Holy Spirit and his self-emptying
love. In this season the readings chosen are mainly connected with the public life of Jesus. This period reminds us of the baptism of Jesus and our own baptism and the responsibilities we have undertaken with it. Hence, let us strive hard to know Him more intensely and to live like the children of God during this season.
In this season, the Church recalls the public life of Jesus which began with his baptism at Jordan. Jesus reveals Himself to the world. Father and the Holy Spirit witness to it: ‘ This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’ (Mt. 3:7)
The Feast of Denha which is celebrated on 6th January is called ‘Pindikuthiperunnal’ by faithful who live in the northern part of Kerala and ‘Rakkuli’ by people of the south. ‘Pindikuthiperunnal’ originated from the practice of going around the ‘vazhapindi’ decorated with lights and singing ‘God is light’ commemorating Jesus the light of the world. The name ‘Rakkuli’ came from the ritual bath that our forefathers used to have in the river or pool near by, on the eve of the feast. It was a religious ceremony. The most important themes commemorated during these days are the baptism of Jesus, His public life, His divine and human nature, His intimate relation with the Father and the Holy Spirit and his self-emptying
love. In this season the readings chosen are mainly connected with the public life of Jesus. This period reminds us of the baptism of Jesus and our own baptism and the responsibilities we have undertaken with it. Hence, let us strive hard to know Him more intensely and to live like the children of God during this season.
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