Peshtigo Spanish Club Students Learn About Three Kings Day

In many American families, children look forward to a visit and gift from Santa on Christmas Day. “In many Spanish speaking countries, it is the visit from the Three Kings on the evening of January fifth that excites them most,” emphasizes Spanish teacher Jackie Lemire. Lemire and co-advisor Cindy Birch taught their Spanish Club students about this tradition that coincides with celebrating Christmas in many Spanish speaking countries and even Spanish speaking American families.

Rather than writing to Santa Claus, children write to the three kings: Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar. In American Christian tradition these three kings are referred to as the three wise men. Birch explains, “Children write to the three kings, giving thanks for the blessings they’ve received throughout the year and asking the kings to bring them gifts. They decorate a box, like a shoe box, and fill it with hay for the three camels.”

On the twelfth day after the birth of Jesus, also called the Epiphany, the three kings will visit children’s homes throughout the night of January fifth.

On the morning of January sixth children will awaken to see what the kings brought for them. “In many Spanish speaking countries, the gift from Santa on Christmas day is minimal, but the gifts delivered by the three kings twelve days later, is more anticipated,” according to Lemire.

Spanish club students decorated three kings’ boxes as children do in Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, and many Spanish speaking people living in the United States do. “It’s fun to see them get excited as they learn about the customs, beliefs, and traditions.” Birch elaborates. “Spanish Club gives us the opportunity to participate in activities and customs that we would otherwise just talk about,” shares senior Lauren Halfmann. She says, “It’s cool to learn about how different cultures of people live and celebrate different things.”

“Many students take Spanish with the goal of using Spanish in their future occupations. Students recognize the need to be bilingual,” asserts Birch.

“Soon students develop an interest and an appreciation for culture,”adds Lemire. Both explain that students love to learn the similarities and differences in terms of food, holiday celebrations, religious practices, festivals, and history.

Students who join the Peshtigo High School Spanish Club have opportunities to learn more about what they’ve been exposed to in class.  Each month students meet to take on different topics and activities. Past activities have included Zumba, Latin dance lessons, Day of the Dead activities, and Semana Santa Easter traditions. In November 2023, students will be traveling to Belize and Guatemala to experience life in another country. “I really enjoy learning about other cultures from around the world,” voices senior Avery Kehoe. Understanding other cultures helps us understand each other. Learning about other cultures, especially while traveling, can help form connections between people.”