FELIZ !!Día de Los Reyes

Magos

El cinco de enero…….On January 5th, the feast of Epiphany's Eve,

children place water, grass and a letter “wish list” under their beds for the three wise men's (or the Three Kings, as they are better known locally) camels, and in return, the Three King's brings presents, which they leave under the bed, after the camels eat the grass.

El seis de enero….Children wake up early on January 6 ("Dia de

Reyes") to check out what Baltazar, Melchor, and Gaspar left them. Epiphany commemorates the day in which the three wise men arrived bearing gifts for the Christ child.

MelchorEl Rey Melchor was the Sultan of Arabia. He

was the oldest of the Magi and was a small and gentle man. Melchor had a long white beard and wore elegant crimson robes. His gift was gold which was much used by the Hebrews for the Temple and was plentiful in the time of David and Solomon. Gold was not coined until after the reign of King David, was an article of commerce and was sold by weight. It is rumored that Melchor brought many other priceless gifts as well.

BaltazarEl Rey Baltazar was a Nubian King and ruler of

Ethiopia. Baltazar was dressed in exquisite robes. His gift was myrrh, a precious and aromatic resin that comes from the bark of thorny African trees and symbolized suffering. Myrrh was a precious comodity in the Middle East. It was one of the ingredients of the holy ointment. It is also used in medicine and as a perfume. Baltazar was also rumored to have brought many other expensive gifts and treasures along. Legend tells us that Baltazar died soon after in the presence of the other Wise Men. Saint Baltazar's feast day is January 8th.

Gaspar El Rey Gaspar was Emperor of the Orient and ruled

over all oriental lands. He is also represented as white but does not wear a beard. His clothes were gilded in gold. King Gaspar's gift was frankincense, an exceedingly aromatic gum used in the sacred incense for the Temple service. It is distilled from a tree in Arabia.. Frankencense was priceless and a gift for Kings and symbolized prayer. It was burned in temples to honor God.  Gaspar is said to have also brought many other fine gifts for the Christ Child. It is said that Gaspar traveled the furthest to visit the Christ Child. Saint Gaspar's feast day is January 6th.

¡Feliz Día!Los Reyes Magos, from Persian magu, meaning

magician; members of a priestly caste of ancient Medes and Persians; name is applied also to the wise men in the Bible (Matthew ii) who followed a star to Bethlehem; the Bible story does not name them nor give their number, but Christian tradition from about the 7th century names the three Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar; their bodies are said to have been brought to Constantinople by Empress Helen, mother of Constantine, thence taken to Milan, and finally to Cologne in 1162 by Frederick Barbarossa; since that time they have often been called the Three Kings of Cologne

Fiesta …. Música…..y comidas

Rosca de Reyes Rosca De Reyes

The Rosca de Reyes has its tradition beginning in southern Europe a few centuries ago to commemorate the Epiphany. On that day, people used to present to the Baby Jesus gifts that consisted mostly of dried fruits, flour, nuts, honey, and eggs, among other items. They would then take these items and bake a sweet roll in a circular shape to represent a crown. 

This would be in memory of the three wise men who followed the star of Bethlehem to Jesus. The bible says that the Kings were searching for Jesus, which is why there is a baby figurine hidden inside the Rosca de Reyes to symbolize this beautiful search.

Mexico….Today in Mexico, it is a celebration with

family and friends gathering to celebrate the Epiphany.

The Rosca de Reyes is an integral part of this traditional celebration by having a little plastic baby doll that represents the baby Jesus, hidden in the bread.

The person who finds the baby has to host a party on the 2nd of February, traditionally known in Mexico as "Día de la Candelaria."

Rosca de Reyes

         

Today marks the end of the Christmas holiday in many parts of the world.

Twelfth Night or The Epiphany is also often referred to as Three Kings Day in some parts of the world.

At feasts marking the occasion, there is often a special bread or cake with a bean, coin, or figurine baked in it.

The person getting the piece with the good luck token becomes the Twelfth Night King or Queen, leading revelers in merrymaking.

Around the world…..In many cultures the day is commemorated with a

Three Kings Cake. In Germany it is known as Dreikönigskuchen and is

made with pecans and fruit. The French take is Galette des Rois is a typically a puff

pastry filled with frangipane (almond cream) and a simple syrup icing.

Many of us are here in the States are more familiar with its colorful and close cousin from New Orleans

In Mexico and Spain the “cake,” Rosca de Reyes is a bit more brioche like and flavored with lemon and orange zests, brandy, orange flower water and almonds.

Una Carta a Los Reyes Magos…Queridos Reyes,

Yo he escuchado muy bien este año. Yo he hecho todo mi tarea y he estado muy amable a mi esposo y mis hijas durante el año. También, yo he ayudado a mis amigos, mis hermanos, y a mi padre. En el futuro, yo ayudaré a más personas y escucharé mejor. También, yo seré muy cariñosa a mis estudiantes y colegas en la escuela. Para El día de los Reyes Magos, me gustaría comida para los pobres en el mundo y también paz en el mundo. Gracias,Sra. Zambrano

Una Carta a Los Reyes Magos…Queridos Reyes,

Yo ____________________________________. Yo _____________________________________. También, yo ___________________________________________________este año.

En el futuro, yo ___________________________ _________________________________. También, yo _____________________________________________.

Para El día de los Reyes Magos, me gustaría ______________________________________________________________________________________________Gracias,_______________