Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Dia de los Reyes

The Feast of the Three Kings (dìa de los Reyes Magos) also known as the Epiphany takes place every year on January 6th. It is an intricate part of Puerto Rican folklore. Traditionally, this day is very important, especially for children, for it is on this eve that they will receive their gifts. On the feast of the Epiphany, the Three Kings visited the newly born Christ Child in Bethlehem bearing him gifts. This tradition is repeated and reflected in present day with the belief that on this eve the Three Kings will visit every child to deliver them gifts. Tradition states that on the Eve of the Epiphany children collect hay, straw or grass and place it in boxes or containers under their beds. This gesture is a gift of food for the Kings' horses (we have no camels in Puerto Rico).

5 comments:

Cindy F. said...

Milly, this is very interesting:)
Thanks for sharing!

Littlebit said...

Milly,
Thanks for dropping in on my blog and for your comment on Alphabets.
Love the background you chose for your--it's red! :-) Also, I'm impressed by all of your 2008 finishes!

CJ said...

Milly -

Thanks for sharing your traditions with us. I am going to share this with my kids.

CJ

Denise said...

I have heard a good way to separate the spiritual side of December 25 and the commercial side for children, is to save giving presents until January 6...the Festival of the Epiphany.

Nancy said...

Learning new things about other cultures is so interesting and fun - thank you for sharing this. And, thank you for visiting me on my blog and leaving such a nice comment.