Why is a Rosca cut on Three Kings Day?

After Christmas and New Year, Three Kings Day is one of the most anticipated celebrations during this season. January 6 is the day when the Rosca de Reyes is traditionally cut, families gather to drink chocolate and even receive gifts. But actually, do you know why a Rosca is cut on Three Kings Day?The origin of the Rosca de ReyesAlthough it is a very Mexican tradition, the Rosca de Reyes and the custom of cutting one come from the other side of the world; from Italy. It all began during the Roman times, when they celebrated the god Saturn during the Christmas season and had the custom of hiding a bean inside a bread.The Three Wise MenShortly after the year 354, January 6 began to be celebrated in the Western world as “The Adoration of the Three Kings.” However, this tradition reached Mexico only during the times of the Conquest. The tradition tells that the three kings came from Persia (now Iran) to worship the baby Jesus with gifts. Over time, this custom has evolved into the celebration we know today. Children receive gifts on January 6, as they represent the gifts that the Three Wise Men once brought to Jesus.What you should know about the Rosca de Reyes. It all dates back several years in France, where they had the pagan tradition of choosing the king of the festivities. In this tradition, the famous bean was hidden in the bread. In Catholicism, hiding the bean, which is now a plastic figurine, signifies the flight of Joseph and Mary to hide the baby Jesus, as King Herod sought to kill him. Meanwhile, the candies found in the Rosca de Reyes symbolize all the distractions so that he would not be found.Mexico is not the only country where we eat Rosca on January 6. In places like France, Spain, and Portugal, they also have a similar tradition, although the name is different, and the bread and decoration vary.