Rosca de Reyes
Every January 6 in Mexico, we have the tradition of breaking the famous Rosca de Reyes. But do we know where this custom starts?
It goes back to France in the 16th century (Middle Ages); people elect a king or queen at festivals. They hide a bean in a “Galette de Rois”, and whoever found it would be the King or Queen. In Mexico, we rooted in this celebration, and over time the bean was exchanged for the famous little doll that we know today.
GALETTE DE ROIS – FRENCH VERSION OF ROSCA DE REYES
WHAT DOES THE ROSCA DE REYES REPRESENT?
The Rosca de Reyes symbolizes the Epiphany, a biblical passage in which the Magi meet little Jesus. It represents the Magi crown, and the dried fruit decoration symbolizes the crown jewels. The shape of the bundt cake represents God’s infinite power and love that has no beginning and no end. The bean, or currently doll, symbolizes Joseph and Mary’s trip to hide Jesus from King Herod. Whoever finds this symbol receives God’s blessings and the joy of sponsoring the child by organizing a party with tamales and atole on Candlemas Day that we celebrate on February 2. Are you ready for some tamales?
ROSCA DE REYES – MEXICAN VERSION OF GALETTE DE ROIS
