Spanish Phrase of the Month – Roscón de Reyes

Last Updated on August 2, 2017 by lydiaf1963

Spanish children aren’t very impressed by Santa (or Papa Noel as they call him). They write letters to the Three Wise Men and leave food for the camels on January 5, the only night of the year the camels eat. From Christmas Eve through Epiphany the Christmas season is celebrated with gifts, special activities for families and seasonal treats.

One of the most anticipated treats is the roscón de reyes, or the king cake. It’s formed in a ring, like a crown, with candied fruits for decoration, representing the jewels that adorned the Wise Men. Sometimes almonds are used instead and they’re generally filled with cream. Usually a small figurine is hidden inside the cake. Ours this year was one of the kings. When I was growing up I had Orthodox friends who celebrated “Little Christmas” but in my family we knew little of the magi except through Christmas carols and nativity plays.

The names of the kings and their appearance is well known to every Spanish child (and their parents). There’s Gaspar, the oldest who has a white beard and brings gold to give to the infant Jesus. Sometimes he’s depicted as Asian or Indian. Next there’s Melchor. He has a blond or red beard and brings frankincense.  Finally there’s Baltazar, the youngest and beardless magi. He seems to be a favorite. Usually he’s Black but sometimes he’s Arab. Baltazar carries myrrh as his gift. Based on his appearance, it would seem Gaspar was hidden inside our Roscón de Reyes.

On January 5th the larger cities will have a parade with the kings dispersed throughout. Then the children go home and put out food for the camels and the kings and go to bed anticipating the gifts they will awaken to. As for the kings, little is known about them except through the Gospel of Matthew and tradition. They came from the East in search of the prophesized messiah and it’s assumed they returned there.

Ordinarily we see the kings depicted in a nativity scene. I liked this image from a 15th century illuminated manuscript. It’s the moment when an angel appeared to warn them not to visit King Herod again. Angel aside, I find it charming that they’re depicted as sharing the bed, as was customary for the times. I can’t help but wonder: Did Baltazar snore? Did Gaspar hog the covers? Did Melchor eat the last piece of roscón de reyes? And finally, where are my presents?

Does your Christmas tradition include the The Three Kings? What special foods are served in your home?

Image from the illuminated manuscript: ‘Salzburg Missal’, Regensburg ca. 1478-1489 (München, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Clm 15708 I, fol. 63r)