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Dia De Los Reyes Research Paper

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Dia De Los Reyes is a Spanish name of the Christian holiday of Epiphany. Across Latin America and in Spain, this day is known as “Three Kings Day” as well as “Day of the Wise Men.” This holiday marks the end of the merry Christmas season, which started on December 16 with the holiday of Posadas. Depending on a tradition or a country, this holiday is celebrated either on January 6 or January 7. Also, across the countries it has different names: in some countries it is known as Los Reyes Magos, in others it is known as El Dia De Reyes, etc. This paper looks into how this holiday is celebrated in Spanish-speaking communities both in Latin America and in the Unites States. In Mexico, a traditional thing for children is staff shoes with some hay …show more content…

An account of a Puerto Rican national Jose Serrano of the traditions related to this day provide a full picture of the holiday. Serrano writes that rather than placing a glass of milk and a plate of cookies, or leave a red stocking for Santa Claus, as many children do in the United States, children in Puerto Rico collect some grass to fit it inside a shoe box. The grass put under the bed is meant for weary camels of horses of the Three Kings. The children want the horses get new energy continue their long journey around the world (Serrano par. 3-4). In the morning, the children get up looking for what the Three Kings have left for them in gratitude and in exchange for food the kids have given for their animals. The author mentions that this tradition is a beloved one for Puerto Ricans and is observed even these days in the United States, where the Hispanic culture is said to be losing its traditions. Importantly, Puerto Ricans remember the religious background of he holiday and their belief regarding it is essentially faith-based. The Three Kings, Serrano admits, are important, since they brought gifts to Baby Jesus and were blessed with understanding that Jesus is the Savior of the World. During this day, Puerto Ricans sing holiday songs and Christmas carols devoted to the Magi (Serrano par.

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