Unless you live in a very remote part of the world, you are very familiar with Santa Claus and Christmas. Most people, whether they are of the Christian faith or not, are also familiar with Jesus Christ and his connection with Christmas. But what a lot of people may not know is that there is another day included in the Christmastime festivities that many Catholics, particularly in Spanish-speaking locations, celebrate called: Dia de los Reyes Magos.
Dia de Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, is celebrated on January 6th and It commemorates the day that the Three Wise Men gave gifts to the baby Jesus. The day coincides with the Christian feast day of the Epiphany. Dia de Los Reyes Magos is celebrated in many Spanish-speaking parts of the world, and has many different traditions associated with it. The name of the day varies from place to place as well, with some calling it Dia de Los Reyes, and others calling it Dia de Reyes. Despite the different variations in the name, many of the traditions are the same. So, what exactly are these traditions? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
Shoes and Gifts
Before Santa became the central figure bringing presents to children, it was Los Tres Reyes that brought the gifts, just as they had done for the baby Jesus. Even though Santa has become the pervasive Christmas figure throughout the world, many families still recognize both. Who doesn’t like a few extra presents? Similar to leaving out a pair of shoes for gifts on St Nicholas’ feast day in December, children leave out a pair of shoes before they go to bed on January 5th for the Three Wise Men to leave them gifts that night.
Rosca de Reyes
Rosca de Reyes, or the Kings Cake is an oval shaped pastry-style “cake” that is enjoyed on Three Kings Day. The oval shape is meant to symbolize the shape of a crown, and there are candied and dried fruits baked on the cake, symbolizing a crown’s jewels. Within the Rosca is a small baby Jesus. The hidden baby Jesus represents how the baby Jesus was hidden from King Herrod’s soldiers. It also serves another purpose. Whoever gets the piece of Rosca with the baby Jesus has to host a party in February for the Dia de la Candelaria.
Celebrate
Other ways to celebrate are to attend church (if you are religious), exchange gifts, and, since it is a feast day, have a feast! Some of the traditional foods that are served include: tamales, enchiladas, pozole, pasteles, bacalao, and of course hot chocolate.
Celebrations for Los Reyes Magos vary throughout the world, so this article is definitely not an all-inclusive list. This is simply to help give you some ideas, as well as to serve as a springboard for you to do more research about this wonderful day. I would love to hear about some of the ways that you celebrate Dia de los Reyes!
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