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Next: 6 Jan 2027

Epiphany and Three Kings

The twelfth day of Christmas, with roscon de reyes, galette des rois and the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

adoration of the Magi
Photo: Gentile da Fabriano, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Spices for Epiphany and Three Kings

Epiphany recalls the visit of the Magi, who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, two of which are aromatic resins. In Spain, roscon de reyes is a ring of sweet dough with orange blossom water and candied fruit; in France, galette des rois, an almond-cream tart with a bean inside; in Mexico, rosca de reyes, with a hidden figurine and a hot chocolate with cinnamon. Incense is burned in churches, a reminder of the old resin trade out of Arabia.

The spices

CinnamonIn Mexican hot chocolate.

Also part of it, and being written: Frankincense (The gift of the Magi, and incense.), Myrrh (The other aromatic resin.).

About this page

Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Epiphany (holiday)" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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