
January 6
Day of the Three Wise Men
What do we celebrate on the Day of the Three Wise Men?
When is the Day of the Three Wise Men?
Letter to the Magi
What are the names of the Three Wise Men?
There are Three Wise Men:
- Melchior: he represented Europeans. Went to the Manger of Bethlehem with gold for the Baby Jesus.
- Gaspar: he represented Asians. Went to the Manger of Bethlehem with frankincense for the Baby Jesus.
- Balthasar: he represented Africans. Went to the Manger of Bethlehem with myrrh for the Baby Jesus.
These names, those of the Magi, first appeared in the mosaic of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (in Ravenna), in the sixth century AD. AD.
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The Epiphany is celebrated on January 6, the most awaited Christmas tradition. On this day, it's common to see little ones playing with the gifts they got from the Three Wise Men.
Days or even months earlier, children write letters to Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar to ask for their gifts. On the night of January 5, they go out to greet them in the parade, which is held in every city and town in Spain.
The servants accompany the Three Wise Men and have an important function: to collect all the letters that the children write before January 5 and send them to their majesties so they won't forget anything.
As for the gifts, they are carried by the Three Wise Men's camels. That's why you have to put out a bowl of water and some vegetables, so they can get their strength back and keep delivering gifts throughout the night.
Other important dates
-
Blue Monday
Blue Monday is the name usually given to the third Monday in January, which is rated as the saddest day of the year. -
Singles' Day
As opposed to Valentine's Day, Singles' Day celebrates the pride that many people feel for being single. This holiday was created by students from the University of Nanjing, China, and is now very popular in Spain. -
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a holiday to celebrate the love between couples and friends. Valentine's Day is observed on February 14 in almost every country.