Epiphany's History
Twelve Days of Christmas
According to the Christian calendar, Christmas takes place on December 25th, initiating the Christmas season. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a well-known concept, but many people believe that these twelve days come before Christmas Day. In reality, however, these twelve days come after Christmas day and end on the sixth of January. Therefore, the celebration of Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season.
Gifts in Shoes
The night before Epiphany, children leave a pair of shoes outside their house so that the three kings will leave them a little gift. In some cases, children also leave food and drinks for the kings who are on their way to visit Jesus. The next morning, the children go out and see the gifts that the three kings left for them. The meaning of this tradition is based on the arrival of the three kings to see Jesus. In the Christmas Story, the three kings brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the new King of the Jews. Today, the gifts that are left in the children’s shoes are a symbol of the gifts that the three kings brought Jesus.
Rosca de Reyes: The Bread
On Epiphany in Mexico, there is a special meal prepared called The King’s Feast. The most recognized and most important element of this feast is the King’s Rosca, a traditional loaf of sweet bread. Baked into the bread is a small, plastic baby figure that represents Jesus. This little doll is hidden within the bread to show how Joseph and Mary had to hide Jesus from King Herod. There are several different traditions; however, one of the most well-known is that whoever receives a slice of Rosca with a figurine in it has to provide tamales for the family or party on February 2nd, which is known as Candlemas.
Video Transcript
Watch this video to learn more about how to make Rosca. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and sugar. Once they’re mixed, add the eggs and milk. Sprinkle in the yeast and begin to work the dough until it is soft. Cover it and let it rise for about 1½ hours. Mold the dough into a donut shape, making sure to leave a hole in the center. Part of the Mexican tradition is to include a plastic baby figurine that represents the baby Jesus hidden within the dough. This symbolizes when Mary and Joseph had to hide Jesus from King Herod. For the top decoration, press pieces of dried fruit into the dough. Sprinkle sugar over the whole Rosca and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy!
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Credits:
Created with an image by Myriams-Fotos - "christmas crib figures jesus child birth of" Three Kings Picture: http://wl4k.blogspot.com/2012/01/epiphany-day.html Three Kings and Camel Picture: https://www.kisspng.com/png-biblical-magi-epiphany-gif-christmas-day-6-january-6237459/ Feliz Dia de Reyes Drawing: https://repeatingislands.com/2016/01/06/happy-three-kings-day-3/ Map Image from Google Maps First Rosca de Reyes Picture: https://www.mccormick.com/recipes/breakfast-brunch/three-kings-bread Second Rosca de Reyes Picture: Lucy Strutton First Shoes Picture: https://thepracticalperfeccionista.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/rosca-de-reyes-and-a-visit-from-the-wise-men/ Second Shoes Picture: https://www.latinballet.com/the-legend-of-the-poinsettia Feliz Dia de Reyes Picture: https://www.tiempodemichoacan.com/feliz-dia-de-reyes/ Yeast: https://www.betternutrition.com/recipes/kale-chips-recipe Sugar: https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/how-does-sugar-act-as-a-preservative/ Vanilla: https://lexiscleankitchen.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/ Maza: https://www.mexicoenmicocina.com/receta-de-rosca-de-reyes/ Bebé: https://www.worldonaplate.org/world_on_a_plate/2007/01/rosca_de_reyes.html Information: http://www.globalroadwarrior.com/#mode=country®ionId=99&uri=holidays-festivals-content&nid=null&key=facts-holidays La Biblia