What is Three Kings Day?
This is a Christian holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed a bright star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child.
In the story of the Bible the three kings, named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, brought gifts to the new baby. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Three Kings Day is also known as The Epiphany. In Spanish and in South America it is referred to as- El Día de los Reyes.
(children dressed as the 3 Kings)
When is Three Kings Day celebrated?
Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 6 th. This is twelve days after Christmas, which represents the twelve days of Christmas.
(traditional sweet bread)
Why on January 6 th?
The Western Christian Church adopted December 25 th as the day of the Feast of Christ’s birth. This change was how the twelve days of Christmas arose. The Eastern Christian Church recognizes January 6 th as the celebration of the nativity. The physical birth of Jesus was kept on January 6 th in Bethlehem .
(childrens' shoes left at the door)
What happens during the celebration of Three Kings Day?
During the Twelve Days:
- On the twelve days before the three kings, the children dress up in kings outfits and the custom of star singers takes place. Children go from door to door holding a star and dressed like kings, singing carols and telling the biblical story of the three kings. The children receive sweets, treats, and money for this. They keep the treats, yet the money traditionally went to unemployed craftsmen, yet today the money goes to charities of the churches.
- In some places there is a parade in which they celebrate three kings day, this occurs on January 6 th and the proceeds still go to charities of the church. The parade takes the tradition of the star singers, yet some counties still celebrate both.
The night before:
- On the night before three kings day, traditionally, there are prayers, blessed dried herbs would be burnt, and the aroma would fill the house with wonderful smells. Doorways are sprinkled with holy water and in some homes the head of the house would write with chalk above the doors C+M+B (the three kings names) and the year.
- Children would put their shoes out and wake up early the next morning in hopes of finding gifts in their shoes. The aspect of shoes is similar to the American tradition of leaving cookies for Santa.
On Three Kings Day:
- On three kings day the children open their presents and in some families, those who have trees, the Christmas tree is taken down.
- A popular tradition on Three Kings Day is serving the Rosca de Reyes – crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruits to resemble jewels. Before baking, one or more tiny figures of babies – to symbolize the Baby Jesus – are hidden in the dough. Serving the Rosca de Reyes is a festive occasion celebrated with large groups of people, family and friends, gather to partake in the sweet bread. Each person cuts his or her own slice including children.
- As tradition goes, whoever gets a piece of Rosca de Reyes containing a baby is obliged to host another party on or before Feb. 2. This date is called El Día de la Candelaria (or Candlemas), and this traditional Christian celebration, also known as the Presentation of the Christ Child, marks the official end of the Christmas season.
- Many families go to church on this day and prepare a large dinner before.
(Rosca de Reys)
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(parade to celebrate 3 Kings Day)
Who celebrates the Three Kings Day?
- This is a tradition in many families and homes across Latin America . The traditions and celebrations vary throughout the cultures and communities, yet the story and the purpose stays the same throughout every culture.
- In Argentina a common difference among family celebration is the children and many adults will polish their shoes before putting them out the night before. Also, sweet wine, nibbles, fruit, and milk are left for the three kings and their camels.
Random Fact:
- Hallmark introduced Spanish-language cards for Three Kings Day in 1998
Activities:
- A mock parade of the three kings day or star singers could be implemented into the classroom. The students can dress up, bring gifts, learn the purpose of the holiday and understand the holiday.
- A holiday fair would be a great way to introduce different holiday. Students can chose a country and a holiday and present their findings on the holidays. One holiday the students would chose is three kings day.
- The crown-shaped sweet bread- Rosca de Reyes- could be made in the classroom and explained the importance and be able to be enriched with a new culture.
