| |
The King Cake is believed to have originated in France around
the 12th century. These early Europeans celebrated the coming of the three wise
men bearing gifts twelve days after Christmas calling it the Feast of the
epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day.
The main part of the celebration was the baking of a King’s Cake to honor the
three Kings. The cakes were made circular to portray the circular route used by
the kings to get to the Christ Child, which was taken to confuse King Herod who
was trying to follow the wise men so he could kill the Christ Child. In these
early King Cakes a bean, pea, or coin was hidden inside the cake. The person who
got the hidden piece was declared King for the day or was said to have good luck
in the coming year.
In Louisiana, Twelfth Night also signifies the beginning of the carnival season
which ends with Mardi Gras Day. The bean, pea and the coin have been replaced by
a small plastic baby to symbolize the Christ Child. The person who gets the baby
is expected to carry on the carnival festivities by hosting the next King Cake
party.
Our King Cakes are baked fresh daily and filled with real fruit filling, fresh
cream filling, or a combination of both. King Cakes are decorated in the
traditional Mardi Gras colors; gold (for power), green (for faith) and purple
(for justice).
|
|
