LAS LENGUAS INGLESA Y ESPAÑOLA de Delfín Carbonell

  I have stated on different occasions that, I am not a believer, yet I am sold on traditions, rituals, and festivities of all kinds. Unfortunately, I am not a believer, but I can appreciate all the benchmarks and milestones that our Christian culture has laid out for us during a given year. Take the Epiphany, "the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi", the Three Wise Men , who searched for the newborn and on the 6th of January brought him gold, incense, and myrrh. Yesterday children in Spain woke up to open the gifts  Los Tres Reyes Magos had brought to celebrate that Epiphany. A harmless celebration that brings joy and mirth to the whole family, especially those with children. So, Felices Reyes Magos and Feliz Año Nuevo, de nuevo.    

  When we hear folks talk about "los Reyes" in Spain, we know they are referring to the Magi, the Three Kings, the Three Wise Men, who come from the East bearing presents, and gifts, on the night of the 6th of January. "Los Reyes Magos" bring presents to the good and chunks of coal to the bad and naughty. We will hear: "¿qué te han traído los Reyes?" and children will recite "un tren, una muñeca, un balón, un teléfono inteligente..." Los Reyes Magos, are part of the cultural and linguistic lore of Spain... draped in the garb of "giving", and signaling the end of the Pascua de Navidad. 

The Gift of the Magi es un cuento romántico muy popular y antológico del escritor estadounidense O. Henry. Magi es magos, y el singular es magus , y se refiere a los tres Reyes Magos que según San Mateo llegaron a traerle regalos al niño Jesús el 6 de enero, más o menos. The Magi bring presents to children en los países de habla castellana. Y a pesar de que también viene Santa Claus, los Reyes ganan por goleada la batalla del afecto de los niños. También podemos referirnos a ellos como The Three Wise Men from the East , o The Three Kings . Espero que los Reyes Magos traigan toda clase de regalos espirituales a mis lectores para que comiencen el año bien preparados. May The Three Wise Men bring you joy and contentment!