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The History
behind Mardi Gras King Cakes
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 the 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and coins have been replaced by a small plastic baby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.
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