January 6th, 2010
The Epiphany…The Three Wise Men…Los Tres Reyes Magos…Tonight’s the Eve…
I think I am reminiscing. Yes, remembering when I was a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico. We were so lucky; getting presents two times during the Christmas Season.
Puerto Ricans take their holidays seriously and there is nothing more serious than this time of the year. When we are all finished, here in the States, with the eating, drinking and decorating, Puerto Ricans will start getting ready for the arrival of the “Three Wise Men”.
During this time of the year there would be plenty of “parrandas” which is a Spanish word for caroling. We would go from home to home with the very popular “asaltos” or “hold-ups”. These carolers would show up at your house and start singing with the idea that they would be invited in for food, drinks, and the ever present “coquito” or Puerto Rican Eggnog. The “asaltos” would continue until the early morning hours.
Driving through the island during these holidays is quite a treat since you will be able to get plenty of pasteles, morcillas, and roasted pig. You can buy all this food right on the side of the country roads.
On the eve of Three King’s Day, I would have already put boxes with grass, under my bed, for the camels, 3 plates with cookies and 3 glasses of milk for the Wise Men. Gone to bed early in anticipation of what I might be getting was a must. In the morning there would be such a mess; grass all over the place and half eaten cookies. Presents would be under the bed. They would be like stocking stuffers; nothing too big.
Besides all this partying, let’s not forget that this is really a religious holiday. After all, it is the Epiphany, which comes from the Greek word and means appearance, manifestation. It is a Christian Feast Day and the observance has its origins in the Eastern Christian Churches. It also includes the celebration of His birth and the visit of the Three Wise Men, who were Persian priests.
After Three King’s Day celebrations, Puerto Ricans will continue with the “octavitas”, which are the 8 days after, and until February 2nd. This is the day of the Candelaria when all Christmas trees are burned and the ashes are saved for Ash Wednesday; the beginning of Lent.
When my children were young I would take them out to do the same ritual I did as a child. Just on Monday, as my youngest son was leaving I reminded him that the Three Kings were coming and to remember to put the grass under the bed. He just laughed and said “I remember”. And, I hope some day they will do the same with their own children.
Note: Some of the Epiphany information was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday
Happy Three King’s Day…..
Tags: Bethany Beach, Delaware Beaches, Delray Beach, Dewey Beach, Fenwick Island, Florida, Lewes, Maryland, Ocean City, rehoboth beach
I loved all the info. Even though I also celebrated this Holiday, I did not know about the ashes of the burned tress for Ash Wed.
Still freezing here in Delray, Fl. The sun is out and not a cloud in the sky, which makes it so beautiful and bearable.
Thanks for that Gloria. I love traditions. I especially love the grass for the camels. Does that mean I can come for eggnog right now? Happy Three Kings Day!
Actually, you can. I do have some coquito. Thanks for the comment on the blog.