History of the King Cake

Many Americans may think of king cake as a New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition, but its origins reach back to early pagan Europeans. Surprisingly, though much about the tradition has changed over the years, the recipe, the involvement of a king figure and at least one trait of the king cake ritual remains much the same. Though often decorated ornately in recent history, this relatively simple cake with the royal name resembles a traditional coffee cake in taste, texture and presentation more than the extravagant cake the name implies.

Early History

Since its earliest mention in history, king cake offered a sweet treat with a hidden surprise to celebrate a special time of year. Early European pagan rituals, however, did not provide a fortunate end to the finder of the trinket in the cake. After treatment as a king for a year, the unfortunate holder of the trinket sacrificed his life to insure a successful harvest. Religious history dating back to 12th-century France reveals the same type of cake with trinket inside bringing only good luck to the person finding it. Some early European history states that the cake's shape depicted the circular route the Three Wise Men took to the manger to try to fool King Herod. Other stories make reference to the shape of the cake depicting a king's crown.

Later Traditions

A celebration on the 12th day after Christmas that might have led to such a celebratory cake with a happier ending has origins in 4th-century Europe. St. Augustine supposedly embellished the story of the Wise Men bearing gifts to include kings and encouraged extravagant celebrations taking place on Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas or Jan. 6. Most of the celebrations involved selection of a mock royal or a king of some sort. Initially, only royals and the wealthy became involved in such celebrations, giving gifts and having elaborate feasts. During this time, the king cake evolved into the tradition it stands as today. The king cake celebrated the end of 12 days of Christmas.

Recent Traditions

No matter the changes that the king cake tradition has gone through over the years, the hidden trinket, whether it be a coin, bean or baby figure, has always meant good luck and the appointing of a mock ruler or king. In most recent history, the finder of the trinket rules over the festivities that night, receives good fortune for the coming year and must provide a king cake for the next celebration, usually the following day or night. Today, those celebrations typically last from Epiphany through Mardi Gras day.

Christmas Conflict

During one period of history, the king cake tradition fell out of fashion and though it came back into fashion in certain areas of the world, it often was overshadowed by Christmas and other Mardi Gras traditions. Commercialization of Christmas Day began in earnest during the middle 1700s through the 1800s. As Christmas Day became a more elaborate celebration, the tradition of a king cake and celebrations on Epiphany lost meaning for many. Rather than Christmas Day being the start of 12 days of celebrating, it became the focus of celebrations. France did hold onto Epiphany celebrations and king cake during this time and not surprisingly, it is in New Orleans, a city of French origin, that king cake still enjoys some popularity.

Recipe Changes

Though much about its importance changes from century to century and year to year, the trinket inside and the good fortune it brings, along with the recipes for king cake, remain much the same. Recipes for king cake written 100 years ago seem nearly identical to the traditional cakes made today. However, in a bid to revitalize interest in king cakes in recent years, bakers have begun to create variations such as different shapes, colors and fillings. However, the hidden treat of the Epiphany king cake remains.

References

• Tulane University king cake history
• Catholic organization on Mardi Gras traditions
• Extensive king cake history