Boxes of Grass to Celebrate Día de los Reyes
A brief overview of Three Kings Day and why it is celebrated in Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, January 5th is equivalent to Christmas Eve - a day of preparation for tomorrow’s gift-giving, family gatherings, parades, and honoring a Catholic tradition. Marked as the day the three wise men - Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar - followed the North Star to bring baby Jesus gifts to celebrate his birth, Día de los Reyes has become a staple in Puerto Rican culture.
The story of the three kings portrays them as a part of the upper class - bringing gold and jewels to baby Jesus upon his birth - however, there remain many uncertainties about this portrayal. Originating from the Gospel of Matthew, a bright star led the magi from the east until it stopped “over the place where the child was,” and “upon entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother” (Matthew 1:24). However, the number of visitors was never disclosed and the visitors were never labeled as kings according to the Gospel. This was later adopted in the 8th century to enhance the symbolism of their arrival.
Symbolizing completeness or wholeness in religion, the number three provides support for the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, while the presents given to baby Jesus also act as a form of symbolism.
Gold has always represented wealth and power. It symbolized Christ's royal status as King of the Jews. Frankincense, a type of incense and perfume, represented His divinity and identity as the Son of God. Myrrh, an anointing oil and embalming fluid, referred to Jesus' mortality. (National Geographic)
Today, the three kings are celebrated more than the birth of Christ in Latin countries. Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, France, and Puerto Rico - among other countries - celebrate Día de los Reyes in unique ways giving a nod to many traditions. From gift-giving, large feasts, indulging in Rosca de Reyes and leaving a box of grass for the kings’ camels, there is a common admiration for the three kings and what they represent.
In Puerto Rico, Día de los Reyes is a tradition rooted deeply in religion and held close to the culture. Watch Pero Like’s skit about Three Kings Day: