Curiosities about the Three Wise Men: legends and traditions in Spain The Three Wise Men will soon be coming to Spain. Don't you know who the Three Wise Men are? They are the three magical characters who bring Christmas gifts in Spain. They arrive on January 6. Their names are Melchior, Gaspar
Very soon the Three Wise Men to Spain.
Don't you know who the Three Wise Men are?
They are the three magical characters who bring Christmas gifts in Spain.
They arrive on January 6. Their names are Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar.
Would you like to know in detail these three characters that are so important to Spanish culture?
Well, stay with us, because today you are going to know many curiosities about the Three Wise Men.
We will talk about its history, some surprising legends and the most typical traditions that we do. January 6, Three Kings Day.
A very interesting article that will expand your knowledge about Spanish customs.
By the way, do you also want improve your level of Spanish? If so, we have great news!
we are Hispania, Spanish school. We are located in the beautiful city of Valencia and you can study with our teachers at the level you want.
We have different spanish courses I'm sure they will adapt to you level and availability.
If you are going to be in Valencia in January, don't miss this opportunity to learn Spanish once and for all.
Oh, and on these dates don't forget to go see the parade of the Kings. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, we will explain that later.
First, let's tell you the origins of the Three Wise Men.
What is the history of the 3 Wise Men? How are they connected to Christmas?
We will answer these questions right now 😉.
The story of the Three Wise Men is closely linked to the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The appearance of the Kings is described in the Gospel of Matthew, which details how on January 6, some "wise men" from the East.
These wise men, currently known as the Three Wise Men of the East, they followed a star that guided them to the place where he was born baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
Its purpose was give him three gifts very symbolic that we will explain to you later.
Maybe you are wondering where the Three Wise Men go to Bethlehem.
This is not specified exactly, but it is suggested that they cross the entire ancient Persia.
Actually, the biblical story does not mention what the Three Wise Men are called or how many Wise Men there are.
It was after the passage of centuries that the belief was established that there were three and the names of Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar.
This tradition of the Three Wise Men has been widely accepted and has been passed down from generation to generation.
However, it is important to note that these names do not appear in the Bible and were mentioned for the first time in later 5th century texts.
The Three Wise Men have many important symbolism.
We are going to talk to you about two:
Where did the Three Wise Men Gaspar, Melchior and Baltasar come from?
According to some legends, each of the three Wise Men comes from different continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.
This representation symbolizes the universality of the message of Jesus, which transcends geographical borders.
Furthermore, they are attributed different ages: Melchior represents old age, Baltasar represents maturity and Gaspar represents youth.
This age diversity reflects the belief that the message of Jesus is relevant to everyone, regardless of age.
What do the Three Wise Men wear?
The Three Wise Men brought the baby Jesus three symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Each of these presents has its own meaning.
Gold represents royalty and the power of Jesus, symbolizing his position as King of Kings.
Incense, aromatic stones widely used in religious worship, represents the divinity and the worship of Jesus like Son of God.
And finally myrrh, which is also an aromatic stone, symbolizes humanization of Jesus.
Image from Shutterstock
one of the great curiosities of the Three Wise Men is the Star of Bethlehem, which has been the subject of fascination and speculation over the years.
Next, we are going to see how it is described in the Bible and some scientific theories that explain its appearance.
In the Bible, the Three Wise Men were guided throughout the East to Bethlehem by the Star of Bethlehem, place where Jesus was born.
The Star of Bethlehem is described as a bright and unique star, which stood out among the other stars in the sky.
Throughout history, various scientific theories to explain the nature of the Star of Bethlehem.
Some researchers suggest that it could have been a planetary conjunction, that is, the apparent alignment of two or more planets in the sky.
Others believe it could have been a nova, a stellar explosion that produces a sudden brightness and then disappears.
Another theory is that the Star of Bethlehem was a comet, a celestial body that moves through space leaving a bright trail in its wake.
It has even been mentioned Halley's comet as a possible explanation, since its periodic appearance on Earth coincides with the time of the birth of Jesus.
These are the main scientific theories about the Star of Bethlehem, although none can be taken as 100% valid.
How interesting! TRUE?
The celebration of Three Kings' Day is of great importance in many countries, especially in Spain.
How is this holiday celebrated in Spain?
The January 6, known as the Three Kings Day, is a national holiday in Spain and is the closing of the Christmas season.
It is a very special day, since the main ones finally arrive characters who bring gifts to children in Spain.
The children had previously written the letter to the Three Wise Men indicating if they have been good this year and the gifts they want.
When the Three Wise Men are celebrated on January 6, families gather at home to eat and spend time together.
Do you know what the typical food for January 6 is?
It's a dessert: the Roscón de Reyes.
It is a circular bun decorated with candied fruits and filled with cream, cream or truffle.
The candied fruit slices represent the jewels of the crown of the Three Wise Men, and surprises are often hidden inside.
There is usually small figures: the baby Jesus, the king and the bean.
The first two have positive symbols, however the no bean.
Whoever gets the bean in his piece of roscón, will have to pay the roscón 😄.
Kim Willems/Shutterstock
Another of the most important traditions of this day is Three Kings Parade.
This very popular parade always takes place in Spain on January 5 in the afternoon. It has been like this on an annual basis since 1885.
This parade has great meaning: The Three Wise Men finally arrive in Spain and they parade through the streets of the cities riding floats and throwing candy to the people.
Children love this day. All families take to the streets to welcome the Three Wise Men with joy and enthusiasm.
If you are going to be around Valencia on January 5, you can't miss the Three Kings Parade.
It is always celebrated in the main streets of the old town, such as the Queen's Square or the Town Hall Square.
At night, before going to sleep, children leave dishes with food and water as a form of gratitude for the gifts that the Three Wise Men bring.
I lead / Shutterstock
The festival of the Three Wise Men is lived with great affection in Spain.
Although there are other countries that also commemorate it.
For example, in Mexico, the Three Wise Men are Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar, just like in Spain. However, They are usually represented differently, with typical features and clothing of the country.
In Puerto Rico they are called the Kings of the East and they usually represent themselves riding a horse, instead of the typical camels of the Three Wise Men.
In Portugal, there is a belief that Three Wise Men arrive on January 6 at night and leave gifts in children's shoes.
In Poland, it is celebrated Three Kings Day with a tradition called Kolednicy, in which children dress up as the Wise Men and go from door to door singing Christmas carols and collecting donations.
In Venezuela, in the Three Kings Day one is made special food called the Candlelight Dinner. During this celebration, candles are lit and a table is prepared with typical dishes, such as Hallaca de Reyes.
As you can see, the Three Wise Men festival is surrounded by very beautiful traditions and has a lot of relevance in Spain and other countries.
you have to come to Spain to see the parade and try the Roscón de Reyes.
The city of Valencia It is probably one of the best options to enjoy the decoration of Three Kings Night.
During Christmas, a great atmosphere is created in this city and the parade goes through beautiful historic streets.
Also, if you come to Hispania, Spanish school To learn the language, you will feel at home and make new friends with whom to share the delicious roscón and say goodbye to Christmas.
Have you already tried the Roscón de Reyes?
Would you like to experience Christmas in Valencia next year and learn Spanish with us?
We will welcome you with pleasure!
If you have any questions or want to comment on something, do not hesitate to do so in the comments box, just below.
Take care of yourself!
Article written by Carlos Martinez for Hispania, Spanish school.
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