History of Kingcake
The three king's cake takes its name from the Biblical Magi who are also referred to as the three kings.[5] In Western Christian tradition, Epiphany (also known as "Three King's Day") celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.[5] 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 three king's cake originated in the Middle Ages in Europe from whence French settlers brought it to colonial America.[5] It often includes a statue of the Christ Child and it is believed that the individual who discovers it will have good fortune.[2][5] The three king's cake is consumed throughout Epiphanytide until the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday.[5]
In the American South, particularly Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region, king cake is associated with Mardi Gras and is served during Carnival[26] and year-round.[27] It may have been introduced by Basque settlers in 1718,[28] or by the French in 1870.[29]
It comes in a number of styles. The most simple, said to be the most traditional, is a ring of twisted cinnamon roll-style dough. It may be topped with icing or sugar, which may be colored to show the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.[26]
Cakes may also be filled with cream cheese, praline, cinnamon, or strawberry. The "Zulu King Cake" has chocolate icing with a coconut filling.[30]
Traditionally, a small porcelain baby,[31] symbolizing Jesus, is hidden in the king cake and is a way for residents of New Orleans to celebrate their Christian faith.[32] The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it. That person is also responsible for purchasing next year's cake[33] or hosting the next Mardi Gras party.[30][34] Bakers have recently been placing the baby outside of the cake to avoid liability for any choking hazard.[35]
In 2009 the New Orleans Pelicans introduced the King Cake Baby as a seasonal mascot.[36] The New Orleans Zephyrs also played as the Baby Cakes for a few seasons before relocating.
content from Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_cake
In the American South, particularly Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region, king cake is associated with Mardi Gras and is served during Carnival[26] and year-round.[27] It may have been introduced by Basque settlers in 1718,[28] or by the French in 1870.[29]
It comes in a number of styles. The most simple, said to be the most traditional, is a ring of twisted cinnamon roll-style dough. It may be topped with icing or sugar, which may be colored to show the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.[26]
Cakes may also be filled with cream cheese, praline, cinnamon, or strawberry. The "Zulu King Cake" has chocolate icing with a coconut filling.[30]
Traditionally, a small porcelain baby,[31] symbolizing Jesus, is hidden in the king cake and is a way for residents of New Orleans to celebrate their Christian faith.[32] The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it. That person is also responsible for purchasing next year's cake[33] or hosting the next Mardi Gras party.[30][34] Bakers have recently been placing the baby outside of the cake to avoid liability for any choking hazard.[35]
In 2009 the New Orleans Pelicans introduced the King Cake Baby as a seasonal mascot.[36] The New Orleans Zephyrs also played as the Baby Cakes for a few seasons before relocating.
content from Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_cake
