Why is the French galette des rois or king cake eaten only in January?
If you have ever been to France, you might be familiar with Galette des Rois. If not, we have got you covered. Galette des Rois is a cake sold in France in January! This is unlike any cake you may have seen! It looks more like a puff pastry and is usually decorated with a paper crown! That’s right! It has a flaky texture and sweet taste and is best served warm. It is also called a 'king cake', justifying the paper crown typically used as a decoration. These cakes are so popular that you will see them in every bakery, pastry shop and supermarket in France when the year begins. In fact, there are two types of Galette des Rois depending on the region. In northern France, it is made of puff pastry stuffed with a dense and creamy almond paste called frangipane. In southern France, you will find a brioche bun covered with candied fruit. There are other cake variations with different fillings, like chocolate and raspberry!
However, the cake has more to offer than just a delicious taste! There is a surprise hidden inside it and the one who finds it is quite lucky! So, what is the surprise and tradition behind this cake? and why is it only eaten in January? To find these answers, continue reading!
How did the tradition of Galette des Rois begin?
Well, the tradition of Galette des Rois began some 700 to 800 years ago in France, in the 14th century. The tradition is to have this cake on the 12th day of Christmas, i.e., January 6th. However, it is enjoyed throughout January with friends and family. Galette des Rois is eaten to celebrate the Biblical Epiphany. It is a religious feast commemorating the arrival of 'Three Kings' at the manger where Jesus was born. Baby Jesus was revealed to three men referred to as three wisemen, Magi or, more popularly, three kings!
The game of Galette des Rois
With a cake this special, there had to be a particular way to enjoy it! Yes, galette des rois is cut in a specific way as per tradition. Tradition is to first appoint a president, who is usually the family's oldest and most respected person. The youngest member of the family then joins the table. The member then asks the child, "For whom this piece?" To which the child answers, "For the good God." This piece is set aside to give to the first poor who will ask for it. The child later brings the slice to a poor person saying, "Here is the share to God."
However, this is not the case anymore! The tradition has changed. The family's youngest member hides under the table and decides who will get the first piece. It's not someone poor, but someone on the table itself. The cake is cut in such a way that each guest receives a slice and there is one extra slice left over.
The hidden 'fève' in the cake!
There is still a surprise hidden inside the cake and whoever finds it is very lucky! It's the la fève! Wait, what is it? It can be anything from a coin to a small figurine. Earlier, people put a real bean inside the cake. As the cake is served and people dig in, whoever finds the fève becomes the king or queen for the day and wears the crown after selecting a counterpart! Though the game offers equal opportunity to all its participants to become the king or queen, there is one person in France who is not allowed the privilege. Want to know who? It's the president of France! For the values and respect of the French republic, the president cannot become a monarch (royalty), even if it's just for fun. Now, that’s an interesting rule for sure!