Three Kings Day

Today is Three Kings Day! Three Kings Day (or The Epiphany) is a Christian holiday that commemorates the biblical story of the three kings—Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar. The three kings (also known as the Wise Men or Magi) followed the bright star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child.

Traditionally in Latin America, children dress up in king costumes and go door to door in their neighborhoods singing carols in the days leading up to Three Kings Day. In Argentina, sweet wine, fruit, and milk are left outside for the three kings and their camels to enjoy. In France, people eat Galette des Rois, or "king cake," which has a trinket or bean hidden inside of it. The person who receives the piece of cake with the trinket becomes the "king" for the day!

Three Kings Day always falls at the end of Christmastide—also known as the Twelve Days of Christmas! Traditionally, this is the day when all Christmas trees and decorations are taken down. Happy Three Kings Day!