Every January 6, Three Kings’ Day is remembered and the bakeries offer the traditional Rosca or Roscón de Reyes. Here we tell you the origin and meaning of this tradition.
The Rosca or Roscón de Reyes is a tradition of the holidays between Christmas and New Year in Ecuador, but where does it come from, what does it mean and why is it eaten every January 6.
After Christmas dinner and Easter bread, another delicacy arrives to star in gatherings between friends and families: the Rosca de Reyes.
In its history there is already a consensus. It is said that tradition originated in ancient Romeas a celebration of the god Saturn.
Then a lot of sweets were made, which were distributed in the town and a coin was placed inside one. Whoever found “the treasure” was designated “King for a day”.
From Roman to Christian tradition
With the arrival of Christianitythe tradition was maintained but telling another story. It was said that the dessert remembers the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the manger where Jesus was born.
Many years passed and in France, during the reign of Louis XV, it was customary to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, also known as Three Kings Day. That coincidence helped popularize the sweet thread.
From France it passed to Spain and this country brought the custom to Latin America. In Mexico it is a very popular traditionwhich is even connected to another national holiday.
In that country the Rosca de Reyes is sold with a figure inside, usually a representation of the Child Jesus.
When sharing this dessert, whoever finds this figure in their portion will be the person in charge of prepare tamales for Candlemas Daywhich is celebrated on February 2.
In Ecuador this custom is not yet so followed, but the consumption of this dessert does have faithful followers.
Symbols of the Rosca de Reyes
The symbolism and recipes vary greatly. It is said that the oval or round shape symbolizes the infinite love of God, or the crown used by the Three Wise Men Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar.
The fruits or nuts are interpreted as the jewels that the Three Wise Men brought to the Child Jesus, in the name of the love, peace and happiness.
The figure of the hidden Baby Jesus is taken as the representation of when Joseph and Mary hid the child from Herod.
It’s like this signature dessert of every January 6but which begins to be sold and consumed just after December 25, dethrones Easter bread and closes the Christmas and New Year festivities.
2023-12-26 23:42:17
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