The Story of Three Kings Day
Origins of Día de Reyes
The Journey of the Magi
The story of Three Kings' Day begins with a journey. The Gospel of Matthew tells of “wise men from the East” who arrived in Jerusalem, asking where to find the newborn “king of the Jews.” These travelers, known as the Magi, were likely astrologers or scholars from Persia or Arabia.
The term Magi doesn't necessarily mean “kings.” The image of them as royalty developed over centuries, but the original text presents them simply as learned men.
Guided by a brilliant star, they traveled to Bethlehem. There they found the infant Jesus with his mother, Mary. The moment of their arrival and worship, known as the Adoration of the Magi, has been a central theme in Christian art for centuries.
Gifts Fit for a King
The Magi did not arrive empty-handed. They brought three specific, highly symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each one carried a deep meaning about Jesus's identity and future.
The symbolism of these gifts has been interpreted by theologians for thousands of years.
| Gift | Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Kingship | Acknowledged Jesus as the King of the Jews. |
| Frankincense | Divinity | An incense burned in temples, honoring Jesus as a divine being. |
| Myrrh | Mortality | An aromatic resin used for embalming, foreshadowing Jesus's human suffering and death. |
From Story to Celebration
The visit of the Magi became a foundational event for the early Christian church. It marked the moment that Jesus was revealed not just to the Jewish people, but to the entire world, represented by these Gentile visitors from the East.
Epiphany
noun
A moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.
This revelation gave the holiday its official name: Epiphany. Early Christians began celebrating it as a major feast day. By the 4th century, the date was fixed on January 6th. This timing is significant, as it marks the twelfth day after Christmas Day, bringing the Christmas season to a formal close.
The day itself commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the world, a powerful conclusion to the story that begins in the humble stable of Bethlehem.
Ready to test your knowledge?
According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi who visited the infant Jesus were described as coming from where?
The Magi's visit to the infant Jesus, marking his revelation to the non-Jewish world, is the basis for what Christian feast day?