Three Kings Day, celebrated annually on January 6, is known as the moment when Christmas celebrations end for Catholics and when most people take down the Christmas tree. Moreover, on that day the Christmas lights are turned off in the streets. In Christian tradition, this marks the day on which the newborn Jesus Christ received a visit from sorcerers from the East, guided by a star. According to biblical texts and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation since the 8th century, the Three Magi – Belchior, Gaspar and Balthasar – offered the baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh – gold represents wealth, and incense is used in religious prayers. Myrrh was used to embalm the dead. However, it is important to stress, as many experts have pointed out, that there is no specification in the Bible that there were “three” wise men, but rather that there could be more than that. Since there were three gifts, this means that each one of them was made an offering. This day is also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, which commemorates the appearance of Jesus to mankind as the Son of God. In other words: it means arriving or confirming its arrival.
As tradition dictates, as a rule, in Portugal, people take to the streets to sing “janeras”, door to door – especially in small towns – and as a form of gratitude, the residents of the houses offer the singers some sweets, or other delicacies. Although many people don't like it, especially for the candied fruits that adorn it, pollo rey is likely to be the main main course this season. According to the Portuguese News newspaper, its history dates back to Roman celebrations. But the Catholic Church later benefited from this tradition and converted it into Christianity.
Moreover, for a long time, Polo Re brought little toast and beans. There are those who took advantage of history to give more joy to children who, with crowns on their heads, wanted to find the gift that, according to legend, would bring them happiness. On the other hand, it was the bean that determined who would introduce the Polo Re the following year. But in 1999, Portuguese law stipulated that it was not allowed to place gifts in bolo re, because this could pose a health risk, due to the possibility of suffocation or stomach diseases.
Kings Day Around the World The traditions of celebrating Epiphany Day and Christmas Eve have ended up merging over the centuries. For example, gifts were exchanged on Three Kings Day (when the wise men gave baby Jesus a gift) and not on Christmas Eve. As the dates approached, customs began to change. However, there are those who continue to do it this way, especially in Spanish countries like Spain. According to CNN Brasil, in several parts of the country, at sunset on January 5, there is also a parade of people dressed in typical traditional clothing riding horses, known as “Cavalgada do Dia de Reis.” Also in Italy, many Italians exchange gifts on this day, instead of on Christmas Day. There is also an Italian legend that tells the story of a “kind” witch who gave gifts to children who had done good deeds during the year and gave pieces of coal or ashes to those who had done the most bad. According to tradition, children must put socks in the window on Kings Day to receive their gift and see if they are behaving well or being disobedient.
The French tradition is very similar to the Portuguese tradition, and also extends to several regions in Canada. The galette de roi, made with puff pastry, butter, eggs and almonds, has toast inside – a hidden little crown. The lucky person who wins the crown in their bracket is considered the “Night King”.
In Argentina and Uruguay, for example, people eat what is called rosca de Reyes, which is very similar to pollo rey, but filled with whipped cream or cream, currently also with coffee, truffles or chocolate. Furthermore, there is a tradition that children leave a shoe by the door with grass and water for the Magi to come to.
In Finland, star-shaped gingerbread cookies are made while making wishes. According to tradition, the cookie should be divided into three and eaten in silence, so that every wish is fulfilled.
On this day, in Bulgaria, a priest throws a wooden cross into the water, and young men must dive to save it. It is believed that whoever can find it will enjoy health and luck that year. In both Hungary and Germany, children dress up as magi. In the first country, they carry nativity scenes in their hands and go door to door asking for coins. In the second, they write the initials of their names on the doors of the houses.
In Brazil, known for its festive atmosphere all year round, on Three Kings Day, the “Folía dos Reis” is held, a religious event practiced by Catholics, in which many people come together to play different instruments. In addition, sweets and traditional foods are served at parties.
In Cuba, since the time of Spanish colonialism, the tradition of celebrating kings has also continued. At that time, on January 6, the slaves were given a day off and went out into the street to dance to the sound of drums. That is why this day is still known as “Black Easter.”
In Louisiana, a state located in the southeast of the United States, on the Gulf of Mexico, today marks the beginning of preparations for Carnival. The tradition is to eat “king cake”, similar to bolo re in Portugal. Finally, in Ireland, the day is considered “Women's Christmas” and therefore they rest. Many women even end up arranging a meeting and sharing a meal.
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