Passaic Public Schools has a one-session day on Friday, January 5, 2024 in observance of Three Kings Day.
But what is Three Kings Day all about?
Three Kings’ Day, also known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, is a Christian feast day that is celebrated on January 6th. It commemorates the visit of the Magi (the Three Wise Men or Three Kings) to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. According to the Christian Bible, the Magi, named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus.
In many cultures, Three Kings’ Day is observed with various traditions and customs. Some people exchange gifts, and in some Latin American countries, it is a day of festive parades and celebrations. The holiday holds significance in different Christian denominations and is considered the culmination of the Christmas season for many.
In some cultures, it is also a day for special foods and sweets, and the celebration may involve the baking of a special cake known as the “King’s Cake” or “Rosca de Reyes.” The cake often contains a hidden figurine representing the baby Jesus, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck.
Overall, Three Kings’ Day is a joyous occasion that marks the end of the Christmas season for many Christians around the world.