Per, Balthasar is often represented as a king of Arabia or sometimes Ethiopia, Melchior as a king of Persia and Gaspar as a king of India in Western church tradition.Although in most countries around the world Santa Claus is in charge of delivering gifts, in Spain the most important festival for children is the Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Magos (Festival of the Three Magic Kings) on January 6, also known as Epiphany. The three kings who visited the infant Jesus were known as Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar. Though Three Kings Day originated in the eastern half of the Roman Empire in 200 A.D., Clement of Alexandria wrote that followers of Basilides in Egypt also celebrate the day of Jesus' baptism, according to. This new star is believed to have appeared in the evening sky just before the arrival of Jesus.

Many believe mysterious events happened even before Jesus’ birth occurred, with perhaps the most notable being the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. 2 and 8, but it is still more widely celebrated 12 days after Christmas on Jan. Revisions of the General Roman Calendar makes the date of Three Kings Day variable, occurring on the Sunday between Jan. Gregory of Nazianzus referred to the special holiday as the Theophany, saying that it is a day commemorating the 'holy nativity of Christ,' according to National Today. The baked cake is often referred to as Rosca de Reyes or 'The King’s Ring.' It is customary for some traditions to bake ring-shaped cakes and hide a plastic baby figurine representing the baby Jesus inside. In Latin America, where the three Magi are more prominent figures than Santa Claus, the Epiphany is more important than other religious holidays for many households.Ī youth dressed as one of the Three Wise Men gives candy to people during the celebration of Epiphany or Three Kings' Day in Masaya City, Nicaragua, Jan. Also, until as recently as the 1950s, Twelfth Night was a time for wassailing.Īs a way to celebrate the holiday, it is a tradition in some parts of the world to serve roast lamb on the Epiphany. In some parts of the world, Twelfth Night is the evening that precedes the Epiphany, and Christmas decorations should remain up until then.

In exchange, candies and toys are left for the children. The shoes are filled with hay or treats for the Three Wise Men’s camels. The gold represents his royal standing, frankincense his divine birth and myrrh his mortality, according to the Escalon Times.Ĭhildren may leave their shoes out on the Epiphany for presents similar to stockings hung over the mantle on Christmas Eve. The gifts given to Jesus were gold, frankincense and myrrh, which are symbolic of his importance. It is also referred to as Little Christmas, Denha, Theophany and the Baptism of Jesus. It is usually called the Epiphany but is known in Spanish-speaking countries as Dia De Los Tres Reyes (Day of The Three Kings), according to the website of the National Museum of American History. 6 each year, has more than one name as it is celebrated in many cultures. Here are 12 facts you might not have known about Three Kings Day.

While many Christians are likely familiar with the annual celebration, some may not be aware of the holiday, its origin and what it represents. Three Kings Day is here, and it marks the adoration of baby Jesus by the three Wise Men or Magi. Children may leave their shoes out on the Epiphany for presents.It marks the day Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior visited the infant Jesus and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.Three Kings Day or Epiphany is celebrated on Jan.

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