Three Kings Day
Celebrated annually by many people around the world, Three Kings Day is a Christian festival commemorating the revelation of Jesus as King of the Jews, which explains why it is also called Epiphany. Many countries celebrate Three Kings Day in a variety of ways, with unique traditions and festivities. In Spain and Latin America, for example, it is an important holiday when children receive gifts, while in other countries the emphasis is on church services and family gatherings.
When is Three Kings Day?
Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, refers to the three wise men from the East. It is a Christian holiday celebrated annually on January 6th. Epiphany means manifestation or revelation and revolves around the unveiling of Jesus as the King of the Jews. This day commemorates the three wise men, or magi, who traveled from the East to Bethlehem by following a star in order to visit and bring gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. While some conclude the Christmas season on December 25th, for others it continues for 11 more days. This is different from the traditional idea of the song 12 Days of Christmas, which counts the 12 days before Christmas. Actually, the 12 days begin on Christmas Day and culminate on January 6th. In eastern traditions, for example among Orthodox Christians, Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 19th. This day revolves around the baptism of Jesus, where He became both fully human and fully divine.
What were the names of the Three Kings?
The names of the Three Kings were Melchior, king of Persia; Balthazar, king of Arabia or Ethiopia; and Caspar, king of India. They are said to represent the three branches of humanity. According to the Bible, these branches stem from Noah's three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
What did the Three Kings bring?
The Three Kings brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts symbolized kingship, divinity, and suffering. At that time, these gifts were incredibly expensive and thus only reserved for the wealthy. They illustrated the importance of the birth of Christ and emphasized the uniqueness of the newborn.Traditions
Three Kings Day traditions vary from culture to culture. Some important traditions include:- Church services and processions: The story of the three wise men is commemorated in church services and processions around the world.
- Blessing of houses: There is a custom of blessing houses by writing the initials of the three wise men and the year on the door frames with chalk, as a form of protection. Houses are often blessed with holy water as well, a tradition that stems from the belief that all water becomes holy on this day.
- Singing: In some cultures, children dress up as the wise men and go from house to house singing songs and raising money for charity.
- Three Kings Cake: Special dishes are eaten on Three Kings Day, including a Kings Cake in which a porcelain figure or surprise representing the baby Jesus is hidden. The person who finds the figure is blessed and may be asked to host the next gathering or provide the cake for the following year's celebration. In some countries, it may also mean that the person who finds the surprise is crowned king or queen for the day.
- Gifts for charity: In some countries, Three Kings Day is seen as an opportunity to give back to the community. Instead of exchanging gifts, people donate to charities or spend time volunteering.
- Alternative parades: In addition to traditional parades, there are also modern interpretations ─ a carnival parade with colorful costumes and music, for example.
Cultural diversity
Three Kings Day is celebrated around the world in different ways and with different traditions. In Spain, many children receive their Christmas presents on this day. In Puerto Rico, children put a box of hay under their beds before going to sleep on January 5th, so the kings can leave presents. In France, a delicious kings cake called Galette des Rois is baked with a coin, jewel, or small toy hidden inside. Here are a few more examples:
- Austria and Germany: Processions and church celebrations are popular. Children often go door-to-door dressed as the three wise men to sing and collect donations (their lanterns symbolize stars, which is why they are called star singers). Chalking the doors of houses is also a tradition: a protective sign is drawn in chalk above the front door.
- Mexico: Three Kings Day is an important part of the holiday season. On this day, families prepare a special Three Kings dinner and eat the traditional Three Kings Cake called Rosca de Reyes. Children put their shoes outside, and in the morning, they find presents in their shoes left by the Three Kings.
- Spain: Three Kings Day is one of the most important holidays. There are elaborate parades, known as Día de los Reyes or Cabalgata de Reyes, in which people dressed up as the Three Kings hand out candy to children. It is also customary to exchange gifts on this day. People often enjoy a large feast with family and friends, and Christmas decorations remain up until January 6th.
- France: Three Kings Day is also known as Le Jour des Rois, and it is customary to eat a special cake called Galette des Rois. This involves hiding a bean in the cake, and whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day.
- Puerto Rico: Colorful parades with live music and dancing are held on Three Kings Day. The traditional Three Kings Cake is also eaten, and a small toy figure symbolizing baby Jesus is hidden in the cake.
- United States: In some parts of the United States, Three Kings Day is also celebrated, especially in Latin American communities. Special church services are often held, and festive meals are shared with family and friends.