Good Morning!
Welcome to the El dia de Reyes blog hop! If you have arrived from
Melin's blog then you are on the right track, if you would like to start at the beginning, click here.
If you don't have a clue what "El dia de Reyes" is, here is a quick run down.
Dia de Reyes, Three Kings Day or Epiphany is observed in Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries on January 6th and celebrates the arrival in Bethlehem of the Three Kings who followed the star for twelve days to Bethlehem bearing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the baby Jesus. This is the day that the Three Kings revealed Jesus to the world as King.
Several days before January 6th, children write letters to the Three Kings or Rey Magos, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar. They ask for the gifts that they would like to receive. Children then attach their letters to colorful balloons. The balloons are released into the sky, carrying all of the children’s wishes. It is a magical sight.
The night before El dia de los Reyes, figurines of the Three Kings are added to nativity scenes. Before bedtime children place shoes under their beds so that the Three Kings will leave gifts for them. Grass or hay and a bucket of water are left outside for the Three Kings camels’. Children also leave cookies and milk for Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar.
On the morning of Dia de los Reyes Magos gifts from the Three Kings are opened and enjoyed. This is a day to spend with family and friends. Preparations are made for the Merienda de Reyes, a dinner with friends and families that celebrates Epiphany. The Merienda de Reyes began with the Spaniards who brought the tradition of celebrating Dia de los Reyes Magos and sharing the Rosca to Mexico. People go to the markets and stores to purchase the needed ingredients to prepare the feast. Bakeries make the Rosca de Reyes or Kings’ Cake, a sweetbread, decorated with candied fruit The Rosca, cut by each person,
symbolizing the danger Jesus was in, is served with tamales and hot chocolate. Inside the Rosca is a figurine of the Baby Jesus. The figurine is hidden because of the need to find a secure place where Jesus could be born in safety. Whoever finds the baby figurine must host Candelaria, a candlelight mass day on February 2nd.
Unfortunately, I had a family emergency at the last minute and I was not able to complete my project. I will try and get it posted as soon as I can.
I do however still have some blog candy to give away!
I am giving away a set of Peachy Keen Stamps!
One lucky person will receive the Wide Eyed Kids Face Assortment!
All you have to do to be entered to win is:
1. Become a follower of my blog, if not already.
2. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Leave a comment on this post.
That's it! I will choose a winner via Random.org on Monday night and announce the winner Tuesday morning. Good Luck!
Here is the blog hop Line-up!
Thanks so much for hopping with us today!
