by Kat Ballew

Created on: February 04, 2010

King Cake and its popularity during Mardi Gras season is part of the Christian Faith. It is served during the celebrations as a tradition that honors the Magi, or the Three Kings, who came to visit the Christ child on the twelfth night, or Epiphany, which is twelve days (January 6) after Jesus was born. This is also known as “Little Christmas” or the twelve days of Christmas.

King cakes are round pastries, almost like a twisted cinnamon roll that is made into a circle. A plastic baby is placed inside the cake before baking, and represents the baby Jesus. It is decorated lavishly with a sugary frosting tinted with the colors of Mardi Gras, which are purple, green and gold.

The cake is served between guest, and whoever finds the baby must host the next King Cake celebration by providing the cake. Long ago, porcelain babies were used, however today plastic babies are placed inside the cakes.

Before the Christian religions of Western Europe, the King Cake was used by pagans to determine who the king of the tribe would be for a year. A cake was baked and a coin was put inside. The cake was served, and whoever got the coin was treated like royalty for the next year. However, after the year ended, he was then sacrificed and his blood returned to the soil to ensure a good harvest. This was called the Harvest celebrations. Another cake was made, and again, whoever found the coin was king of the tribe for a year, and then sacrificed.

In the 14th century, Christians did away with the sacrificial tradition, however the King Cake’s were still baked, and beans were put inside. When the cake was sliced, a young woman who found the bean was made queen of the carnival.

King Cakes are very popular during Mardi Gras season, and are plentiful around New Orleans and in the homes of everyone. The cakes have changed over the years and have become more elaborate, with fillings, nuts and raisins. There are many different types of King Cakes to choose from, and many different recipes. Stores begin ordering King Cakes far in advance, and you can buy them just about anywhere in New Orleans.

Mardi Gras has lots of traditions and customs, and King Cakes are one of the most important. Residents of New Orleans try very hard not to get the slice that contains the baby, as this means they have to buy the next King Cake, and they usually have quite a selection of babies. However, newcomers find it exciting, and are especially glad to have the baby as a souvenir.

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