Cajun Pecan House

MARDI GRAS KING CAKE
The Tradition of King Cakes
The Epiphany of Little Christmas is observed on January 6th in many Christian Churches. This day has come to be known as "KINGS DAY."
Since the 300's the day has honored the meeting of the THREE WISE MEN with the infant JESUS. King Cakes became part of the celebration to symbolize the
"FINDING OF BABY JESUS."
Traditionally King Cakes are oval-shaped to show unity of all Christians. The Mardi Gras season which begins on "TWELFTH NIGHT" (January 6th), is expressed on KING CAKES by using the carnival colors of green, yellow and purple. Some bakers also decorate the cakes in red to symbolize the life of JESUS.
As a KING CAKE is cut, each person awaits anxiously for their piece to locate the small baby. The person who finds "THE BABY" is obligated to bring a KING CAKE to the next seasonal celebration.
Start this local tradition in your home, class or office. KING CAKE SEASON ends on FAT TUESDAY, the day before LENT begins (41 days before EASTER).
SEASONAL ITEM
(available from January until Mardi Gras)