For many of us, the Christmas season ends with what Christians call Epiphany or Three Kings Day, January 6. January 6th is the day we remember the journey of the Magi (the plural form of magus- a member of a priestly hierarchy of ancient Persia). It is also the 12th day of Christmas.
In the gospel of Matthew, the Wise Men follow the brightest star to find baby Jesus after his birth. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar bring Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Wise Men are also referred to as the 3 Kings. These biblical kings were not kings in the sense that we think of kings, as rulers of lands.
NOTE: The popular Christmas Carol, The 12 days of Christmas is not related to THIS 12th day of Christmas, three Kings Day. To understand more about the 12th day of Christmas check out THIS POST.
The Gifts brought by the Magi on Three Kings Day, January 6
The gifts brought on Three Kings Day, January 6 were symbolic gifts. The gold was given because they believed Jesus to be the King of the Jews. Frankincense was for His divine nature. Last, Myrrh was a perfume used to embalm dead bodies. This gift foretold Jesus’ eventual suffering and death. It reminds us Jesus was human.
Frankincense and Myrrh are essential oils available today. Do you have them or know someone who does? Let your child smell and feel them. Learn about these oils and their uses today. See why they were considered great gifts! My links are for informational purposes only, These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Information on Myrrh Oil from DoTerra
Gold was the third gift brought by the Wise Men. Gold has always been a valuable item. Today we use it for jewelry and it is considered the best filling when you have a cavity!
Would you like to Meet the kings? I put together a little video so you can!
Celebrating 3 Kings Day January 6th
You can celebrate Three Kings Day, on January 6th in your home this year! In some countries, children leave their shoes by the door so the 3 Kings can leave them a gift. There is also the tradition of the Three Kings Day Cake.
This cultural tradition is called: Rosca de reyes or Ring of the Kings. They sometimes hide a figurine of the baby Jesus in the cake to represent the flight of the Holy Family. Whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed and must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2 (Candlemas Day).
Visit your local bakery for your own Ring of Kings or improvise by making cupcakes and hiding a baby inside one.
If you are looking for a more detailed activity perhaps you would like my 3 Kings History and Craftivity.
This awesome resource contains:
- An Informational Text page/ handout
- Link to a Google Slide Presentation with the same/similar information as the handout
- Link to an EXCLUSIVE Homeschool Holiday Teaching Video with 3 Kings Day History
- A printable 1 page mini book that contains the 8 slides of the presentation in “pocket” size.
- Craft patterns in color and color your own that can create a mobile, stick puppets, or a wall mural.
3 Kings Day Freebie!
If you are in need of 3 Kings Day activities for kids and have little ones, you will love our Activities for Three Kings Day. This FREE Resource is full of resources to supplement the study of Epiphany. The Activity Pack includes a template for creating a 3 Kings day crown, coloring pages, a 3 Kings day maze, a puzzle, and a printable Memory activity designed to go with the “Meet the Kings” video. (There is a link in the product for your convenience!) This Activity Pack will keep little hands busy while you celebrate this important holiday!
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Sources: https://www.newsweek.com/when-three-kings-day-and-how-it-celebrated-epiphany-772690
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosca_de_reyes
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