Its source is Theophania, a Greek name meaning "Revelation of
God." In many Christian countries, girls born on January 6, the
Feast of the Epiphany, are given some form of this name. That
feast commemorates the visit of the three Magi (''wise men'' or
''astrologers'') to the infant Jesus twelve days after his
birth. The Magi were a caste of priests known for their mastery
of astrological lore. Indeed, the three Magi claimed to find
Jesus by tracing the path of a star that came to rest over his
birthplace. They were also famous in the ancient world for their
ability to interpret dreams. In the Bible story, a dream warns
the Magi to return home without telling the jealous King Herod
where they found Jesus. Traditionally, the three are known as
Kaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, and at least one of them is
identified as African. However, you will not find those names or
their ethnic backgrounds discussed in the Bible. These were
supplied in the 7th century by the English church historian
known as the Venerable Bede