Crist proclaims Three Kings Day

In an announcement received from the Governor’s office by Historic City News this morning, Governor Crist has proclaimed that tomorrow be officially recognized as “Three Kings Day” in Florida.

“As Florida’s Hispanic community celebrates the arrival of the three kings with their gifts for the Christ child, we mark the close of the Christmas season, remembering its ongoing significance to our daily lives.” Crist said. “Their gifts remind us to express our appreciation for the gifts we have received of life, family and friends.”

Crist also said “The generosity of the kings causes us to consider how we can meet the needs in our communities, and the same spirit of expectation that drew the kings to the Holy Child inspires us to look forward with hope to the opportunities of the upcoming year.”

PROCLAMATION
THREE KINGS DAY

WHEREAS, “Three Kings Day” is celebrated on January 6, twelve days after Christmas; and

WHEREAS, On January 6, most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, commemorating the day when the Three Wise Men followed the star of Bethlehem and arrived bearing the treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for Baby Jesus; and

WHEREAS, on January 5th, the feast of Epiphany’s Eve, children place water and grass under their beds for the Three Kings’ camels, and in return the Three Kings bring presents which they leave under the bed – after the camels eat the grass; and

WHEREAS, children wake up early on January 6th to discover what the kings Baltazar, Melchor and Gaspar left them; and

WHEREAS, El Dia De Los Reyes Magos, or “Three Kings Day,” is a day that not only has religious meaning for many Hispanics but is also a day that has deep cultural roots that encourage extended families and friends to visit each other and enjoy each other’s company, to celebrate, and exchange gifts;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing January 6, 2009 as Three Kings Day.

IN WITNESS WHREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 5th day of January, in the year two thousand nine.

Charlie Crist
Governor