[Gocamino] First pilgrims

[Rosina]

Hello you all,

Here is a translation of a message posted by an esteemed pilgrim from Madrid:

 

“There are surprising and attractive similarities between the tradition of the Three Magi and that of the Camino de Santiago.

They both are ancient Christian traditions that at times are saturated with commercialism and consumerism.

They both have changed immensily throughout the generations, and while legends, rites and varying interpretations have nearly obfuscated them at times, they have never lost their essential historical and religious nucleus.

 

They both have stellar influences that guide their path and portend their destination. Perhaps the star of Bethlehem and those of the Milky Way canopy over the Camino grew in the same ethereal garden.

 


They both are propelled by the soul-urge to get going, and beyond their number, their precedence, and their dedication, the three Oriental Kings are, in truth, the first pilgrims in the Christian world, guided by the Star of Bethlehem as though by a yellow star”


 

In the Latin countries today is a big holiday much anticipated by children who receive their presents this day.  In Latin America there are lots of parties preceding Christmas. In Mexico they are called “posadas” and commence on December 16th to culminate on Midnight Mass. If there is Christmas dinner in those countries it is held on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is very quiet with everyone sleeping. (Last week the New York Times ran a very=2
0nice article about the Mexican posadas). Few, if any, homes in Latin America or Latin Europe have Christmas trees. therefore there are no presents under the tree. Children expect to find their presents on the Sixth of January, left by the three Wise Kings, around the manger.

In Italy the bringer of the gifts is called the “Befana”; legend has it that she was a woman who had a house on the route to Bethlehem and offered hospitality and food to the three Wise Men. After they explained to her the purpose of their pilgrimage they invited her to come along. She said that she would love to go and that as soon as she finished her household chores she would followed them. After they left at dawn she finished sweeping her house and doing other shores, and then gathered some gifts to take to Baby Jesus which she carried in an old stocking. She set off to follow the Magi but she never caught up with them, and has been looking for Baby Jesus ever since, leaving toys for other children while she continues her search. Over the centuries she has been visualized as traveling on the broom with which she swept her house that fateful day leaving toys for children everywhere. Italian bambini (kids) who find a piece of coal in their stocking are being warned that if they do not behave better she may bypass them altogether the next Kings Day.

In Austria today is a lovely holiday with lots of youngsters dressed as Magi singing and playing (of course) all over the City.

In the La
tin American neighborhoods of New York City there will be parades featuring the three Magi, on camels, even, dispensing toys and candies to onlookers.

The Magi parades in Santiago itself, with its narrow, cobbled streets, are particularly lovely, and the concert that closes the festivity is magnificent.

And so ends another Christmas Season….. and (alas!) those lovely Christmas markets everywhere.

 

Happy Three Kings Day everybody!

 

Rosina