King Cake Will Be Available Starting January OF 09’
THE HISTORY BEHIND
MARDI GRAS KING CAKES
(ROSCA DE REYES)
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
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 and 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, a pea or a 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 on Mardi Gras Day. The beans, peas and coins have been replaced
by a small plastic baby to symbolize the Christ Child.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 Homemade King Cake Is
Made With Cinnamon Smear And Covered In Icing And Granulated Sugar, In Official
Mardi Gras Colors.
It Comes With Mardi Gras Beads, A Plastic Baby That You May Hide, And A Card Telling The History Of King Cakes.
Available In One Size, Which Serves 10-12 People. Priced At $11.99.
King Cake History Flyer.doc Revised 2/23/06