The Day of Three Kings
The Day of Three Kings
Mexican History
Introduction
Día de Los Reyes (known elsewhere as Epiphany) is celebrated on January 6 to honor the Three Wise Men. This holiday represents the day the Three Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus Christ, and the day closes the Christmas festivities. This means our factories will open up soon, and additionally it means that children will be waking up to receive gifts stuffed in their shoes. We’re excited to share this day with you, and explain a bit about our history!
What is Three Kings’ Day?
Three kings day is to Mexico the end of a pilgrimage within the Catholic faith, if Dia de Guadalupe (the day of the Virgin Mary) begins the Christmas season, then Dia de los Reyes ends it. This day stands for the end of the posada season, and will set the tone for the remainder of the year. It contrasts the posadas in the sense that its festivities change from the imagery of a journey to the imagery of a celebration.
What happens on Three Kings’ Day?
Christmas may be over, but it doesn’t mean the gift giving is over. Children in Mexico, Latin America, and Spain receive additional or the majority of gifts on the Day of Three Kings instead of Santa Claus. Before going to bed, the children place their old shoes with a wish list on top for the Three Kings. In the morning, the shoes are filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.
Reyes festivities are celebrated in a variety of ways across the globe and include a number of traditions.
During Día de Los Reyes, Mexicans serve Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake. “Rosca” means wreath and “reyes” means kings. The Rosca de Reyes has an oval shape to symbolize a crown and has a small doll inside, which represents baby Jesus. The doll figure symbolizes the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod’s troops. Traditionally, roscas are adorned with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels that a crown would have. The person who gets the slice with the doll must host a party on Día de la Candelaria (or day of the Candlemas) in February. El Dia de la Candelaria is the celebration day for the purification of the Virgin Mary.
Closing Notes:
Many celebrations in Mexico come from Spanish/Catholic tradition, and have made themselves a part of every day life and even of law. Dia de los Reyes is a special day for us as Shoemakers, because we have the beautiful knowledge that there are children who will one day wear our shoes, and maybe even find gifts in them for years to come.
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