In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as he is in the United States. Rather, it is the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name Epiphany and dates back to the 4th century. A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism and to pay homage to the Three Wise Men.
Many believe mysterious events preceded Jesus’ birth with perhaps the most notable being the appearance of the star in Bethlehem. This new star appeared in the evening sky just prior to the arrival of Jesus. Three wise men, or Magi as they were known, whose names were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, traveled a far distance to pay homage to Christ. They brought with them fine gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Three Kings Day, or El Dia de Reyes, remains an important holiday for Catholics. In addition to gift-giving, there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake), this holiday dessert is a symbolic pastry. Shaped in a circle to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion Dia de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2nd.
Happy Three Kings Day. Don’t forget the extra presents.
Overview
The Bible story of the Three Wise Men, from the gospel of Matthew, is also known as the biblical Magi or the Three Kings. This Bible story regards a group of scholarly foreigners who traveled to visit Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, during the time of King Herod, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
The Three Kings were among the wisest men of their time. Discovering that the Messiah was to be born, they organized an expedition to find him, following a star that led them to Bethlehem. Despite their culture and religion in a foreign land, they accepted Jesus as their Savior .
King Manasseh. King Amon. King Josiah. King Jehoahaz. King Jehoiakim. KingJehoiachin. King Zedekiah. This was the last king of Judah before they fell into the captivity of the Babylonians and would remain there for seventy years as written about in the Book of Daniel. Previous article List Of Kings In The Bible.
This is how they are often portrayed:
- Gaspar (or Caspar) wears a green cloak and a gold crown with green jewels. He is the King of Sheba. Gaspar represents the Frankincense brought to Jesus.
- Melchior has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold cloak. He is the King of Arabia. ...
- Balthazar has a black beard and wears a purple cloak. He is the King of Tarse and Egypt. ...
Why did the Wise Men visit Jesus?
- the wise men saw the star that appeared at His birth, studied the prophecies, decided on and prepared for a long trip
- they made the long journey possibly travelling only at night to keep the star in view. ...
- they spent a day or so in Jerusalem to make inquiry. ...
- they travelled to Bethlehem and visited.
In many cultures that celebrate Three Kings Day, it is the Three Kings who bring gifts– not Santa Claus! To prepare for the Three Kings gifts, children put a shoebox filled with straw or grass under their bed. The box of grass is meant to be a treat for the camels that have traveled a long distance following the star.
