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What is it About...
The Spirit of Giving?
By Lupita Saavedra
(PdM Accounting)
S
oon after New Year’s Day, Mexican families have a very special date to commemorate and enjoy. That’s
January 6, when most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the
Three Wise Men who, following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh.
In following that tradition, children in Mexico receive gifts from the Magic Kings (or Wise Men) that day.
Epiphany is anticipated eagerly because it is a magical night for gifts of toys and candies.
Several days beforehand, children write letters to the Wise Men, or to their favorite Rey Mag - Melchior,
Gaspar, or Balthasar - asking for the presents they would like to receive.
During the evenings before the great celebration, families go to the city center or parks where there are
stands with food, toys and, best of all, scenes where children can have their picture taken with the Three Kings
of the Orient.
During the season, hundreds of multi-colored balloons are filled with helium, to which the little ones attach
their letters and then release the balloons and wishes into the sky.
When I was six, my parents took me to the Magic Kings’ house to give me my toys. From that moment on,
I believed that someday I would pass on to other children the magic I had experienced.
This special moment remains as a pleasant and unforgettable memory. Beginning ten years ago, friends of
my brothers and I began disguising ourselves each January 6 as the three Magic Kings to give out candies and
toys through the night.
We have varied our gift giving over time. One year we went to a hospital with terminally sick children.
Giving a moment of joy to a child is something special that cannot be explained. The last few years, we have
visited communities where parents are too poor to buy toys for their children.
We collect contributions from friends to buy the toys and candies. The children who receive the gifts from
us Magic Kings show great joy and emotion and leave us with priceless memories.
The Joy of Giving and Receiving Gifts
From the Wise Men on January 6th
Children in Mexico look forward to
the arrival of the three Wise Men,
who distribute gifts and candy each
year on Jan. 6th.
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