Happy Dia de los Reyes. Day of the Three Kings. Day of the Magi.
It's always so strange to try and explain some of our Cuban superstitions traditions. And yes, I know we've been exiled for 50 years now, but some traditions we still keep. Even if they are now mostly just as a nod to our heritage.
Enter the Three Kings. Or the Three Wise Men who showed up at the birth of Jesus to bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
In Cuba, back in the day, they were the ones to bring us our "big" presents. Which would be waiting for us when we woke up on January 6th.
Santa Claus or if you prefer Spanglish, "Santi Clo" was a minor player in the Christmas drama and he brought us some candy or a token to mark the beginning of the REAL 12 Days of Christmas from December 25th through January 5th. (Which is why it's crazy-making to me when people start talking about the 12 days on December 1st, but that's not important right now.)
I've told this story countless times. And while we don't hold fast to the tradition of the 3 Kings bringing the presents, we still keep our tree up at least through today. (We didn't put it up until the 24th – don't freak out! – so we're not even tired of it yet.) And so, we try to keep some of the tradition alive.
My husband, Eric has learned that it's important to me to celebrate Christmas in this time frame and so he enjoys playing along. He has embraced the Cuban Christmas Timeline. And also the "big" gift delivered by the Los Tres Reyes Magos.
Look at what I found from the Three Kings this morning:
Apparently Gaspar, Melchor and Baltazar are waiting until my kitchen is painted to deliver my set of new kitchen appliances!(YESSSS!!)
I *heart* that man. 😉
Happy Three Kings Day, everyone!
Thanks, Gladys!I have been wanting new kitchen appliances forEVER! So glad Eric consulted with Gaspar, Melchor, & Balty to make my wish come true. 😉
Thanks, BB!Feliz Reyes to you, too!
Besos,
Marta
I am actually excited for you! I guess being a wife and a cook I can certainly relate! Felicidades amiga!
I ♥ that man too! Can we clone him? ;)Feliz “grass in shoe day” and long live our traditions! Whether we know what they’re for or not. Como siempre, loving your post and sharing!! BB2U
I was substituting for high school Spanish today and we talked about el dia de los reyes! I asked one of the native Spanish speakers if his family celebrated this holiday and he said no. Then I wondered to myself, I wonder if Marta does! I’m glad to see your post and it looks as if the reyes were very good to you! Must have left them some good straw!
Hi Tiffany,I think my straw is definitely superior. 😉
My mom always made a big deal about this day. I’m sad to say I have not continued the tradition with my kids. You have given me the incentive too! Love reading your blog!
To be fair, I haven’t really kept up the Reyes tradition “formally.” I just made Eric believe this is the way it has to be. (That’s kind of my super-power. Shhh!)Besos,
Marta
I grew up with this tradition and was trying to explain to co-workers why my tree on my desk and in my home had to stay up until tomorrow when they have already put theirs away. I did a google search and found your blog, thank you! They thought I was crazy (I’m in Los Angeles with a ethnic melting pot of co-workers) now they understand it’s not just me. My Cuban born and raised parents embraced the American Santa Claus tradition when they came to the US and had children but, always made El Dia De Los Reyes special as well. I have carried on this tradition with my daughter who is 25 and she plans to carry it on with her family one day…. Que viva El Dia de Los Reyes (and extra presents – hahaha).