February 2 in Mexico is a follow up to the celebration of Three Kings Day on January 6. Whoever finds a tiny doll in their piece of rosca (or sweet bread) on January 6 is obligated to have a party on February 2. This photo is of the plastic doll that Covenant short term missionary Bruce Dockter found in his piece of rosca.
I was invited to the Dockter's house on February 2 for a delicious supper of tamales and atole (a corn starch based hot drink). These are the traditional foods served on this day. In addition to a wonderful supper, we learned about the traditions and reasons for this February celebration.
February 2 falls forty days after Christmas and is when the baby Jesus was presented at the temple. It is sometimes called the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. It is also known within the Christian world as Dia de la Candelaria or Candlemas in English because this is the day when candles were brought to the church to be blessed.
In Mexico February 2 is also the day when the baby Jesus doll that is put in the manger on Christmas is brought to the church to be presented in the church and blessed.
So while the evangelical church in Mexico does not celebrate this day with a church service, they do enjoy the tamales and atole that is served everywhere on this day.
1 comment:
It's so interesting to learn more about the customs of Mexico. Dia de la Candelaria sounds a lot more meaningful than Groundhog Day, which we celebrate (?) on the same day. And I like the idea of forcing a party during the doldrums of winter!
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