What does the Three Kings Day mean and why is it celebrated?

What does the Three Kings Day mean and why is it celebrated?

Many families are looking forward to January 6 to spend time with their loved ones, friends or co-workers and share a delicious rosca de Reyes, but why is this cause for celebration?

Just as December 24 has a special meaning for families, so does January 6, and it is a Catholic tradition for Three Kings Day, which is celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries, and that Over time it has reached the American continent to adopt it with some slight modifications that have made it what we know to this day.

In this celebration, the accommodation of the birth is an important part, and also the whole family gathers in the dining room to taste a delicious bagel or sponge cake, and the best thing is that the children love it, because in addition to being happy with their loved ones, they take the opportunity to write their letter to the Magi with the intention of receiving the toys they have longed for.

The meaning of Three Kings Day is given because the visit of the Magi who come from the East to visit Jesus after his birth is celebrated. This Catholic tradition is known as The Epiphany or The Feast of Enlightenment. The blessed and Italian author, Santiago de la Vorágine, explains in "The Golden Legend" that the Three Wise Men arrived thirteen days after Jesus was born.

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It is also said that on that same date but 30 years later, he was baptized by Saint John. On the other hand, in the apocryphal Gospels it is said that he was two years old, after his circumcision and presentation to the temple. According to the beliefs of the Syrian and Armenian Christians, it was about a dozen magicians, contrary to what we popularly believe that there are only 3, and this is precisely the most accepted story, that guided by a star they arrive at Bethlehem, from there the famous songs that we already know.

The three wise men. Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. Photo: Pixabay

Why are gifts used? because when the Magi arrived, they gave gifts to the Son of God, according to history, it is said that at that time they gave them gold, incense and myrrh, this is mainly due to the fact that these elements are those that represent Jesus as king, God and deadly, respectively.

According to the version of Herodotus, the Magi were a Median tribe and practiced astrology, medicine and divination. Their names in Latin league are as we know them daily: Melchior (Melchor), Gaspar and Baltasar. The traditional festival is celebrated on January 6 and with it, the adoration of Jesus is remembered, and this is how the traditions of offering and receiving gifts emerged, especially for the smallest of the house.

And what would a kings day celebration be without the thread? A completely different and special cake that today we can only see on these dates, that is, for the only occasion. In this very pleasant experience, those present may be surprised to find the traditional "doll" that actually represents the figure of the Child God. Finding it truly represents a blessing, as it is said to bode well throughout the year.