A history lesson on Three Kings Day and Rosca de Reyes
Ever wonder why people eat Rosca de Reyes on Three Kings Day? Here’s why.
John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times
People around the world will celebrate Three Kings Day this weekend.
In Hispanic communities, the day is known asDía de Los Reyes and is celebrated on Jan. 6 which is Saturday this year. The day is meant to honor the story revolving around the Three Wise Men or Magi who came to bring baby Jesus gifts after his birth. For those of the Christian and Catholic sects, it is known as the Epiphany.
The traditions surrounding Día de Los Reyes are long-standing, involving food, gift giving and family, according to the National Museum of American History. Take a look at how Three Kings Day is celebrated and the meaning behind the traditions.
Why do we celebrate Three Kings Day, Día de Los Reyes?
The full name is Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos, but the name has been shortened to Día de Los Reyes which translates directly to “Day of The Kings”. The holiday is widely celebrated in many Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Three Kings Day celebrates the day in the story of the Three Wise Men — Los Tres Reyes Magos — who gave gifts to Jesus Christ. Three Kings Day is also known by the name Epiphany and in the Orthodox Church, the holiday is known as Theophany and commemorates Christ’s baptism.
With the foundation of this holiday being rooted in religion, people often attend church on Día de Los Reyes. But there are also gifts.
In many Hispanic cultures, children often receive the majority of their gifts from the Three Kings and not from Santa Claus at Christmastime.
When is Three Kings Day?
Día de Los Reyes is celebrated 12 days after Christmas Day on Jan. 6. Which falls on Saturday in 2024.
When is the feast of the Epiphany?
Three Kings Day and the feast day of the Epiphany are on the same day. Both represent the day the Three Wise Men—Los Tres Reyes Magos—gave gifts to Jesus Christ.
References to Christians commonly held Epiphany rituals started by the fourth century A.D., according to Concordia Seminary.
What does Epiphany mean?
Epiphany comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia” which means “appearance” or “manifestation,” and it refers to the manifestation of Jesus to the world, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
What is Rosca de Reyes? And no it isn’t the same as king cake
For Three Kings Day, which also shares the same day as Epiphany, households that celebrate the day have Rosca de Reyes.
Rosca de Reyes and the Lousiana-style king cake may have some similarities, but they are different.
A Rosca de Reyes is a large oval-shaped bread made from an enriched styled dough with dried fruit decorations like dried cherries, candied orange peel, and nuts. Inside a baby Jesus figurine is hidden and whoever finds the doll must give a party on Candlemas on Feb. 2, according to King Arthur Baking Company.
Rosca de Reyes and other types of king cakes are often are enjoyed between Christmas and February-ish. Normally king cakes are consumed at midnight on New Year’s, although some cultures eat the treat on Christmas or on Jan. 6 in honor of the Epiphany.
Louisiana-style king cakes are made of sweet cinnamon pastry covered in white frosting and sprinkles in the colors of Mardi Gras — green for faith, purple for justice, and gold for power. The usually pop up in supermarkets and bakeries starting in January and can be enjoyed through Ash Wednesday in February.
USA Today and the Associated Press contributed to this report.