Epiphany (holiday) men compete to retrieve it for good luck. The "Phota" form the middle of another festive triduum, together with Epiphany Eve, when children sing the Epiphany carols, and the great feast of St. John the Baptist (January 7 and eve), when the numerous Johns and Joans celebrate their name-day. It is a time for sanctification, which in Greece means expiation, purification of the people and protection against the influence of demons. This concept is certainly not strictly Christian, but has roots in ancient worship. In most parts of Greece a ritual called "small sanctification", "Protagiasi" or "Enlightment" is practiced on
Epiphany (holiday) and coloured banners stream out across the square from those around it. Inside, the church will have been decorated with garlands. After presenting their gifts and reverencing the altar and Nativity scene, the kings take special seats of honour and assist at the High Mass. The Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala State, Epiphany is known by its Syriac name "Denha". Saint Thomas Christians, like other Eastern Christians, celebrate "Denha" as a great feast to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan. The liturgical season "Denhakalam" ("Weeks of Epiphany") commemorates the second revelation at the Baptism and the subsequent