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Concept
King cake
Summary
A king cake, also known as a three kings cake, is a cake associated in many countries with Epiphany. Its form and ingredients are variable, but in most cases a fève (fava bean) such as a figurine, often said to represent the Christ Child, is hidden inside. After the cake is cut, whoever gets the fève wins a prize. Modern fèves can be made of other materials, and can represent various objects and people.
In Western Christian tradition, Epiphany (also known as "Three Kings Day") celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. From the 19th century onwards, the tradition of the King cake has been associated with the Epiphany ("appearance" in Greek). The three kings cake takes its name from the Biblical Magi, also referred to as the three kings: Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspard, who came to Jesus to offer him gifts, twelve days after his birth. The Eve of Epiphany is known as Twelfth Night, which is the last day of the Christmas season, and Epiphany Day itself commences the Epiphany season.
The origin of the cake tradition seems to be related to the Roman Saturnalia. These were festivals dedicated to the god Saturn so that the Roman people, in general could celebrate the longer days that began to come after the winter solstice.
In the Middle Ages, it was said that the king who was chosen had to pay the assembly a general round of drinks. To prevent cheating, the edible bean was replaced by a porcelain bean.
Later, Spanish and French settlers brought it to America. It often includes a figurine, and it is believed that the individual who discovers it will have good fortune. In some regions, the three kings cake is consumed throughout Epiphanytide until the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday.
In northern France, Quebec, Luxembourg and Belgium it is called galette des rois in French or koningentaart in Flemish Dutch. In most of France it is a puff pastry filled with frangipane. As for the frangipane, it might come from Count Cesare Frangipani, who would have given the recipe that bears his name to Catherine de Medici.
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