In Spain, if you're naughty, you might receive a lump of coal known as "carbón," which symbolizes misbehavior. Traditionally, it’s given on the night of January 5th during the celebration of the Three Kings' Day, when the Magi bring gifts to children. However, the coal is often made of candy, so it can be a playful reminder rather than a punishment.
Coal, dark candy, garlic, onions, or sticks are what bad boys get for Christmas in Italy. Such presents contrast with the attractive, delicious, expensive gifts of fruits and soft candies (such as caramels) for good children. The gifts may be considered part of the Christmas season's gift-giving even though they typically are left on January 5th, as the eve of the Epiphany to commemorate the Magi's gifts of January 6th in celebration of Jesus of Nazareth's birth the previous December 25th.
put their shoes out on their porch waiting for gifts and candy
Spanish children receive their gifts primarily on January 6th, during the celebration of Epiphany, known as "Día de Reyes" (Three Kings' Day). This tradition commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. On the night of January 5th, children leave their shoes out, often filled with hay or grass for the Kings' camels, and in return, they find presents the next morning. This custom emphasizes the significance of the Three Kings in Spanish culture and is a cherished part of the holiday season.
In Italy, gifts are traditionally delivered by La Befana, a kind witch who visits on the night of January 5th, known as Epiphany Eve. According to folklore, she rides a broomstick and fills children's stockings with sweets and toys if they have been good, or coal if they have misbehaved. This custom is part of the larger celebration of the Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
January 6 is Epiphany. It is the day many Christians celebrate as the visitation of the Magi, or The Three Kings that came bearing gifts for the Christ Child. It is also known as Three Kings Day and is a day when gifts are exchanged instead of Christmas Day is many societies. Epiphany is celebrated in many places beside Spain.
i don't think it mentions it in the books or films...
5th January 2013
5th
Balthazar is one of the three Magi who visited Jesus when he was born. He and the other two Magi are celebrated in the Little Christmas tradition of the hispanic festivities. The other's names are Melchor and Gaspar. According to this tradition the visit was about January 5th or 6th. Santa Claus or Kris Kringle is more of a German and American tradition not so much embraced in the spanish and hispanic traditions.
January 5th, 1900 was a Friday.
January 5th, 1955 fell on a Wednesday.