Today marks Epiphany

In the United States, in Colorado around Manitou Springs, Epiphany is marked by the Great Fruitcake Toss. Fruitcakes are thrown, participants dress as kings, fools, etc. and competitions are held for the farthest throw, the most creative projectile device, etc. As with customs in other countries, the fruitcake toss is a sort of festive symbolic leave-taking of the Christmas holidays until next year but with humorous twist, since fruitcake (although the traditional Christmas bread of America) is considered in the United States with a certain degree of derision, and is the source of many jokes. My Amish neighbors celebrate by fasting until noon, the father reads from the Bible and then the afternoon is spent either resting or possibly gathering at a neighbor's for singing. Since I have been up since 3:30 I have been able to read up on how other countries celebrate Ephiphany. Interesting reading even at this hour.