Discover the Meaning of Rosca de Reyes in Mexico and share it with your children. A wonderful and delicious Mexican tradition that we shouldn’t miss!
Today, in some parts of the country, children will receive gifts. In my case, it was always Santa. But we never missed celebrating this day without enjoying rosca with family, friends, and neighbors.
WHAT DOES THE LITTLE DOLL IN THE ROSCA DE REYES MEAN?
The little doll or figurine in the Rosca de Reyes represents the baby Jesus.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET THE LITTLE DOLL IN THE ROSCA DE REYES?
Tradition says that if you find the little doll representing the baby Jesus when cutting the Rosca, you have to offer tamales on February 2nd, Candlemas Day.
Some see it as bad luck because they have to host this feast, but for most, finding the little doll in the Rosca de Reyes brings good luck and blessings.
WHAT IS the tradition ON CANDELARIA DAY?
On February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria or Candlemas Day, during the “raising of the Child Jesus,” We change the baby Jesus clothes again, and the owner of the Child can dress Him in any outfit they like, whether a regular dress or a garment of a Saint.
And then, the tamale dinner follows!
In my house, my mom loves parties and she always prepared champurrado every year and invited the neighbors to have a piece of Rosca without any commitment.
If you got the little doll, it was just the excitement of the moment, but no one felt obligated to prepare tamales, as tradition dictates.
MEANING OF ROSCA DE REYES IN MEXICO
- The Rosca de Reyes represents a crown and God’s love, which has no beginning or end.
- The dried fruits symbolize the jewels of the crowns of the Magi, signifying peace, love, and happiness.
- Eating the bread from the Rosca is related to communion with Jesus.
- The little doll in the Rosca represents the baby Jesus when He was hidden by Mary and Joseph to save Him from the massacre of the Innocents, ordered by King Herod.
- If the little doll appears in your piece of Rosca, you become the Godparent of the baby Jesus, and tradition says you must host a party with tamales on February 2nd, Candlemas Day!
- The most typical accompaniment to Rosca de Reyes is champurrado or hot chocolate. It’s also delicious dunked-in coffee.
And well, if you got the little doll, don’t be shy!
In some cities in Mexico, they offer a giant Rosca de Reyes at a free event organized by the Government.
Prepare the tamales for the Candlemas Day party! Check out my Pork tamales recipe!
Nowadays, there are Roscas for different tastes. The one in the photo, for example, is filled with caramel. You can also find wine-soaked Rosca, Nutella-filled Rosca, the traditional Rosca, etc.”
Leave a Reply