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Why is there a baby Jesus in the king cake?

By Daniel Johnston

Why is there a baby Jesus in the king cake?

King cake is a frosted, bready cake eaten between January 6, or King’s Day, and Fat Tuesday. According to tradition, a little plastic baby (which is supposed to symbolize baby Jesus) is put inside the cake.

What do the baby figurines on a king cake represent?

Most recently, porcelain, and then plastic, baby figurines became popular hidden treasures in king cakes, which some say represent the baby Jesus. These days most bakeries sell their king cakes with the plastic babies on the side, just in case any patrons not familiar with the custom take an unsuspecting bite. Where can I get one?

Can you put a baby in a king cake?

Though king cakes are available for only a few weeks of the year, the luck bestowed on those who end up with the tiny, plastic baby in their slice is meant to last for the rest of months to come.

Why is there a baby in my cake?

Switch things up with a batch of king cake eclairs or the praline-flavored twist on an old fashioned cocktail below, in which a baby is hidden in the ice cube.

What does the baby in a king cake represent?

Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden in the king cake. Originally, the baby was placed into the cake to symbolize baby Jesus. Today, the baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it in their slice of cake. In some traditions, the finder of the baby is designated “king” or “queen” for the evening.

Is king cake baby Jesus?

King Cake is a traditional cake made to honor the three kings that visited Baby Jesus on the Epiphany. King Cake is eaten from the 12th Day of Christmas until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

What is the legend of the king cake?

King Cakes are said to have come into play in the 12th Century in France as a celebration of the Three Wise Men who traveled to the ” Christ Child ” bearing gifts. The cakes are traditionally circular to represent the route the trio took to elude King Herod who wanted to have Christ killed.

What is the history of the king cake?

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.