KingsoftheOrient

People say that the pomegranate seed charm at the Feast of the Three Kings, on January 6th, is a surefire cure for hard times. The pomegranate appears in various cultures as a fruit capable of ensuring prosperity and fertility, thanks to its large number of seeds. Jewish tradition holds that there are 613 little seeds — the same number as the “mitzvot,” the Torah's sacred precepts. Pomegranate juice is drunk in regions of India as a promoter of female fertility. Brazil inherited from Portugal the tradition of taking nine seeds from the pomegranate on the Day of the Kings, with prayers to Balthazar, Caspar, and Melchior. Three seeds should be eaten, three should be offered, and three should live inside the wallets where money is kept.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a scene with three adults and a child. On the left side, a man is sitting in a wooden chair, wearing traditional clothing with black and white stripes. He is holding a small child, dressed in a white dress and black shoes. In the background, two other men are also wearing traditional garments, including turbans. Behind them, there is a building with arches and gardens with plants.

Our Day of the Kings tradition is Iberian. The celebration is very strong in Spain and Portugal, where groups of revelers visit devotees' homes with banners and musical instruments. Armed with violas, tambourines, reco-recos, accordions, rattles, cavaquinhos, and triangles, the revelers sing songs in praise of the Holy Kings and receive, in return, offerings to support the celebration.

Image description: This is a photograph of a display of decorative objects. From the left toward the center, we see a fist holding a two-real bill, with the number "2" and the word "REIS" visible. On the right, we see another hand holding a similar bill. Both fists rest on a surface covered with colorful ribbons and red satin bows. The ribbons are arranged vertically and come in different colors, including green, blue, yellow, and white. At the top, there is a red bow with a central button. On the right, we see more ribbons and a red satin bow with metallic details.

Generally, folias are formed as a result of promises made and blessings received through the action of the Magi. Fulfilling the promise includes the obligation to raise financial resources to maintain a folia for up to seven years. In addition to musicians and singers, many folias are made up of clowns, dancers, and characters from local traditions, turning into dramaturgical acts of communal celebration and enchantment of life as a gift, kindness, and offering.

The Folia de Reis is one of the strongest traditions of the Christmas cycle in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Strongholds of foliões, such as Morro da Formiga, Morro Dona Marta, and Morro da Mangueira, mobilize everyone from children to the elderly to greet the Three Wise Men. Its influence is so great that the Folia de Reis drum beat is one of the characteristic elements of the bateria of Estação Primeira de Mangueira.

Image description: This is a photograph of a community celebration. On the left, we see two people dressed in colorful outfits and elaborate costumes, followed by a group of people watching. In the center, there is a main figure dressed in a green and white costume, followed by more people in varied outfits. On the right, there is a group of men dressed in green and white uniforms. The background features residential buildings and a green hill.

Given to musing on the interstices of history, on the mandingas inscribed in the unsaid and revived in the feast, we find ourselves pondering the strength of the Folia de Reis in the encounter of the birth of the baby Jesus with the kings of magic. Let us ponder together the idea that Balthazar, Gaspar and Melchior followed routes inscribed in the sky to meet the boy Jesus. Let us ponder further the idea that it was not myrrh, gold and incense that were the gifts destined for the boy, but perhaps the binding of the very mystery tied in the encounter of Jesus with the kings of the Orient. A mystery that dances on the hills of Rio, reviving not only the enchantments of the birth, but also hope, joy and celebration.