“Rosca de Reyes”: Explanation for children

The Rosca de Reyes is a delicious tradition. This explanation for children will help you tell the little ones its origin and meaning.

One of the most delicious traditional dishes is the Rosca de Reyes; just thinking of a cup of hot chocolate with a slice of it makes our mouths water; this tradition has an origin and meaning. Get together with your little ones to learn about it. This delicious tradition is an opportunity to spend time with the family, in which the little ones talk about the gifts that the Three Wise Men brought them.

Meaning

There are Roscas of various shapes and flavors today, but the meaning goes back to Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar’s visit to Baby Jesus after his birth. All the ingredients represent an aspect of that visit.

• Oval shape: It represents the infinite love of God.
• Dried fruits: They symbolize the jewels embedded in the Wise Men’s crowns.
• Hidden child figurine: it represents Baby Jesus. It recalls the time in which he remained hidden when King Herod ordered to persecute him. Part of the tradition is that whoever finds Baby Jesus in the Rosca must take care of him until February 2^nd, Candlemas Day, and prepare tamales.
• Knife: It refers to the dangers faced by Baby Jesus.

Origin

Although the most widespread version of the story of the Rosca de Reyes is related to the Catholic religion and the birth of Baby Jesus, there is also another version that points to the Romans.

The Ministry of Culture of Mexico City points out that the Romans, during their celebration of Saturn (god of agriculture and time), a bean was placed inside a Rosca, and whoever found it became king for a day.

Years later, with the expansion of Christianity, this tradition took on a more symbolic and religious connotation. The Three Wise Men traveled from the East to visit Baby Jesus; as a token of their worship, they brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Another version on the origin of the Rosca refers to France; during the reign of Louis XV, a French court cook prepared the Rosca for the king, a dish that became popular among the nobility, the object that was hidden was a coin of gold.

It is believed that this dish was brought to Spain by King Felipe V. Little by little, it became a dish enjoyed after Christmas. It arrived in Mexico during the time of the conquest.

When do we eat the Rosca de Reyes?

On January 6th, after the arrival of the Three Wise Men, is when we eat this dish, as it recalls the visit of Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar to Baby Jesus.

Where can we eat Rosca de Reyes?

You can get together with your family to share this tradition, but you can also visit the Festival de la Rosca y el Chocolate 2022 in Mexico City, which will take place on January 5th and 6th, from 1:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

This event will be held at the Lienzo Charro del Peñón, located at Adolfo Ruíz Cortines 602, Mayor’s Office, Venustiano Carranza, near Oceanía Metro Station.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version