Even though children in the United States are basking the post-glow of presents from Christmas, kids in Mexico are gearing up for what is most likey their favorite part of the holiday season- Los Tres Reyes Magos, or Three Kings’ Day in English.
Three Kings’ Day falls on January 6, or the Day of the Epiphany. It commemorates the Three Wise Men, Mechior, Gaspar, and Baltazar, who followed the Star of Bethlehem to the manger and Jesus. Balthazar was a Nubian king from Ethiopia, and brought myrrh as his gift. Melchor, the Sultan of Arabia, came bearing gold. And Gaspar was Emperor of the Orient and ruled over all Asian lands; he brought frankincense. These three gifts represented the spiritual wealth of the child; frankincense, which signifies the earth and the sky; and Myrrh, the oil which was used for medicinal as well as spiritual purposes. After their visit, an angel warned them that they should not tell Herod about Jesus because his plan was to kill the baby. So the three men wisely took a different path. Meanwhile, Jesus, Mary and Joseph escaped to Egypt.
The Feast of Epiphany is celebrated on January 6, the twelfth day after December 25, symbolizing the end of the 12 days of Christmas. Eastern Orthodox Christians have historically celebrated Christmas on January 6.
In some regions, the three kings each have their own feast day—January 8th, 7th, and 6th, respectively.
During this time it is customary to invite friends and neighbors into your home for Rosca de Reyes- a sweet twisted loaf also know as the Wreath of the Kings. Besides the symbolism of the bread as that of the never-ending universe, there is also a small doll, which represents the Christ child being hidden from Herod’s army. Whoever finds the figurine in their slice of sweet bread is then obligated to have a party on February 2nd, Candlemas Day, or Día de la Candelaria. Here they will offer tamales and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour) to their guests. Also on Three Kings’ Day in Mexico, the children will receive the majority of their gifts rather than on Christmas.
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