People around the world will celebrate Three Kings Day this weekend.
In Hispanic communities, the day is known as Día 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.
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.
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.
