Regents Review Winter 22-23

The Regents Review Winter 2022

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS Languages Saint Nicolas’ Day

Reyes Magos

6th December was Saint Nicolas’ day. Saint Nicolas Day is derived from the history of Saint Nicolas of Myra, a real person who lived in the southwest of Turkey between 250 and 270 AD. He was the Bishop of Myra. During his lifetime, Saint Nicolas developed a reputation for gift-giving. He put coins in people’s shoes and became known as the protector of children. The story of Saint Nicolas developed over time. At some point, Saint Nicolas was joined in his visits to children’s homes by an evil character who punished naughty children. In some parts of France, children leave a shoe out by their door or fireplace for Saint Nicolas on the night of the 5th December. If they are naughty, they will find sweets in their shoe in the morning, and if they have been good – some coal!

El Día de los Reyes Magos is a holiday celebrated in Spain and across Latinamerica. In the UK we know this as Epiphany. This is the day when the 3 Wise men supposedly visited baby Jesus and brought him the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In many of these countries, the exchanging of gifts takes place on this day instead of 25th December. Some traditions include: > A Roscon de Reyes – a crown shaped cake baked with sweets. Sometimes little white toys representing Jesus are baked in. > Leaving grass/hay in a shoebox, and water for the camels (think of children in the UK leaving a carrot and mincepie for Father

Christmas and his reindeer > Parades through the city

Year 9 Triaramas

Some amazing work by Year 9 students creating triaramas on their house/ local area.

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