Happy Day of the Kings! Another great Mexican tradition. One I wish I would have had growing up because I like it a lot better. This is the day the wisemen come to bring Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (see foot note A.)
In Northern and Southern Mexico many open presents on this day instead of Christmas. The wisemen come to bring children gifts. They fill up the kids shoes that were left outside the door the night before. Sometimes the children will also get a new pair of shoes in exchange for their old.
In the area that we are living most people do not open presents on January 6th. They have adopted the tradition of Santa Clause and open presents on the 24th or 25th. But they do buy or bake the Rosca de Reyes and eat it. The King's ring is a Mexican Bread with candied peppers and cherries cooked on top. But the fun part is a little toddler Jesus doll is cooked into the bread. Each family member cuts a piece of bread to see if they get the little doll in their piece. The lucky person is suppose to then invite everyone over for Tamales later. Joelle was our lucky winner. Her piece had the little doll.
Joelle and Edan dressed up as Kings this morning. Well...that is when they weren't a doctor, a princess, or a super hero!
Note A. Frankincense and myrrh are both sap from trees. Frankincense was used for making incense and myrrh was also used for spices and medicinal purposes. Myrrh was one of the most valuable spices in the day of Jesus. Zondervan's Pictorial Bible Dictionary
I love that Tradition...we'll have to start that next year! We've been praying for you and pray that God will use each day as a new opportunity for Him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers! Keep them coming!
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