Three Kings Day (El día de los Tres Reyes Magos)

The Epiphany (la Epifanía)

In western Christian tradition, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names

in various church traditions.  In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe,

it is known as Three Kings’ Day

One way this holiday is celebrated is through parades.

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So, Three Kings Day remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to

visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and

King. The wisemen are added to the Nativity on this day as a symbol.

OTHER TRADITIONS● In Mexico, Spain and other Latin

countries January 6th is when children receive the majority of their gifts from the Three Kings rather than from Santa Claus at Christmas.

● By this time, children have written letters to the three kings about what gifts they want; these are sometimes released with balloons during a parade.

● Before going to bed the children place their old shoes or a box filled with grass or hay under their bed for the camels with their letter to the Three Kings.

● In the morning the shoes or box is filled with toys & gifts from the Three Kings.

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The colors of Epiphany are usually the colors of

Christmas, white and gold, the colors of celebration, newness, and hope that

mark the most sacred days of the church year

The symbols include either three crowns or a single crown, various portrayals of the Magi or Wise Men, three gifts, a five pointed star, or a combination of a star and crown

Now… let’s look at some background information to learn the origins of this

holiday.

THINK:

-Who are these three kings? Why may they sound familiar?

-Why does it make sense that many Hispanics celebrate this religious holiday?

According to legend based on scripture (Matthew 2:1-12) this day commemorates the Three Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, who followed the star to Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They travel to Bethlehem, and along the way encountered King Herod, whom they tell of the birth of the new King.

Herod orders them to find the baby and return to tell him where the Messiah could be found so that he may pay homage. After being warned by God in a dream that they should not return to Herod because he planned on killing the baby, they returned to their own countries another way

*The three names and origins are uncertain… but over time have been accepted and carried on, particularly in Hispanic culture.

Gaspar: from Persia or another part of Asia; brought incense (el incienso)

Melchor: from Arabia or seen as European, often pictured as blond; brought gold (el oro)

Baltasar: from Africa; brought myrrh (la mirra)

On Three Kings Day the adults prepare for the Merienda de Reyes, an early evening dinner that friends and families share to celebrate the Epiphany.

All over the country, bakeries offer the Rosca de Reyes, an oval sweetbread, decorated with candied fruit. Hidden inside this delicious Rosca, a plastic figurine of the Baby Jesus. The Baby is hidden because it symbolizes the need to find a secure place where Jesus could be born, a place where King Herod would not find Him.

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● Each person cuts a slice of the Rosca. The knife symbolizes the danger in which the Baby Jesus was in.

● One by one the guests carefully inspect their slice, hoping they didn't get the figurine.

● Whoever gets the baby figurine shall be the host, and invite everyone present to a new celebration on February 2, which generally ends the Christmas season.

 

Bibliography

• http://www.crivoice.org/cyepiph.html• http://www.muybueno.net/articles/latino/thr

ee_kings_day.html• http://www.inside-mexico.com/ReyesMago

s.htm