The Rosca de Reyes is one of the beautiful traditions that to date are preserved in Mexico and that marks the end of the December holidays, which begin on December 12 with the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The delicious rosca not only comes to remind us of January 6, the day the Magi come to visit us to leave us our gifts, but there is a story behind it with beautiful meanings. It all began in the 4th century when Christianity within the Roman Empire used to hide a bean inside a loaf during Saturnalia (which would later be replaced by Christmas), a festival dedicated to Saturn and which coincided with the winter solstice.
After continuing with the same ritual during the Middle Ages, France decided for the 14th century to establish on January 6, the celebration of the “Epiphany”, which represented the commemoration of the Magi by Western Christians, while Europeans Orthodox celebrate the baptism of the baby Jesus. Later, with the arrival of the Spanish, who brought Catholicism to our country, the thread became an important symbol to represent the flight of Mary and Joseph, which leads us to explain the reason why the popular doll hides .
Why do we hide the little boy God doll?
There was a moment in history, where Mary and Joseph had to flee to hide Jesus and keep him safe from the persecution of King Herod, who wanted to kill him for being designated as the King of the Jews and the only one who could take away his power. Finally, it is in the 16th century when our country chooses to decorate the thread with figs, ate and acitrón, where the bean that was previously hidden, ends up being replaced by the figure of a plastic child. Tradition dictates that whoever finds the figurine of the child God will be his godfather, will dress him and take him to mass on Candlemas Day (February 2). In addition, you must prepare the tamales and atole for the guests that day.
Meaning of the elements of the Rosca de Reyes • The oval shape that the thread has, represents the love of God that has no end and refers to the crown of the Magi.• The crystallized fruits represent the jewels of the crowns of the Magi.• The sugar coating represents the distractions and banalities that are on the road, and that prevent finding Jesus.• The knife used to cut the thread symbolizes the danger the baby Jesus is in.• The act of finding the child God in your piece of thread is something fortunate because it represents a communion with God. In Mexico there is a tradition that whoever finds the doll must take care of it until February 2, which is celebrated on “Candlemas Day”, the date on which the Presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin Mary are celebrated. , after 40 days of the birth of Christ
