King's Day, known also as Three Kings Day , or Epiphany is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated in various places across the world with a lot of passion and unique customs. The day marks an important moment and closes the Christmas celebration in multiple religions.
The History of King's Day
The date of King's Day is always celebrated on January 6th, marking twelve days after the Christmas holiday. The day remembers the three wise men or Magi, from the bible who brought gifts to baby Jesus. With origins from Catholicism this day was for many cultures an opportunity to create their own traditions and special elements of culture that made this day unique.
Three Wise Men
The three wise men are well known figures named Melchoir, Balthazar and Gaspar who brought gifts that include frankincense, gold and myrrh, and who were guided by a star to see baby Jesus. As the bible describes it the wise men didn’t reach him on Christmas but rather 12 days after. Their travels and sacrifices make this an interesting moment for both religions and those that enjoy the story of giving.
King's Day Across the Globe
King's Day is also known as Día de los Reyes, Theophany, and Little Christmas and is a global holiday. Celebrated throughout Central and South America, Spain, and the Orthodox religions with specific traditional methods of celebration depending on that part of the world.
Celebrations In Various Cultures
In Spanish countries a fruitcake is featured which also contains a small baby Jesus and includes gift-giving practices where they are brought by the three kings and not Santa Claus. Children leave treats for the camels as part of the culture and also expect that they will bring gifts. Greek culture marks it with a blessing of the waters ceremony. Other places create various elements from all these combined which create their individual identity of celebration.
Celebrations in New York City
In East Harlem, Manhattan, the tradition has made it's home with a annual Three Kings Day Parade that honors the traditions of the Latino community and highlights their customs. The parade offers a space for the people of the area to be immersed in a unique and rich culture.
East Harlem Traditions
The annual Three Kings Day Parade is very unique starting at 106th Street to 115th Street on Park Avenue that was showcased this year. A unique aspect includes community participation, and all unique artistic components. It brings everyone in together creating a very festive environment that embraces the importance of tradition. It celebrates the traditions that many families have carried on over time.
Three Kings Day Themes and Culture
This years theme of “The Arts Open Paths” highlighted the important elements of art and how important that element is for the Latin communities, this promotes uplifting their culture. While making it accessible it makes a pathway for others to connect through different artistic styles as this unique form of communication and community that many can celebrate with different methods.
The End of the Christmas Season
Many view Three Kings Day as the closure to the Christmas season which also serves as an opportunity to reflect on what is important to these cultural groups. For those that value family, their spiritual views and art this marks and opportunity to give back to a society who have created unique values and tradition.
Music and the Cultural Aspects
Music is key during the many different types of religious celebrations for a long time. The day has influenced many different styles and types from classic to contemporary music. Ranging from gospel music, Jazz styles to soul there is much to choose from which celebrates the religious themes along with their historic aspects of its influence.
Musical Interpretations
There is a large amount of unique music pieces which include "We Three Kings" and "A Star In The East," to name a few. Each rendition of these musical components has added value to the holiday by being unique. There are also classic pieces by legends who have created musical compilations such as Duke Ellington and also contemporary additions from Donald Lawrence which showcases that the music continues to evolve with the celebration.
Key Takeaways
- King's Day which is also known as Three Kings Day, or Epiphany is observed on January 6, with its origins rooted in Christianity
- It represents the visit of the three wise men, and closes the holiday season with celebrations spanning different countries.
- Unique elements to these celebrations include gift-giving traditions and specially baked treats, with specific variations depending on the location or religion.
- In New York City the annual parade allows community engagement and cultural pride from various backgrounds.
- This is a day that allows for unique styles of art and music creating connections that provide diverse methods for cultural celebrations across the globe.