Every year, on January 6 or the first Sunday of the month, millions of families celebrate Epiphany, also known as the Feast of Kings. But what is the origin of this celebration and the famous galette that accompanies it?

Epiphany, from the Greek epiphaneia meaning “appearance” or “manifestation”, has its roots in Christian tradition. It celebrates the visit of the three Magi, Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar, who came to Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus. 

This festival, which marks the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, is one of the oldest Christian celebrations, dating back to the 3rd century. While in the West it is associated with the Three Wise Men, in Eastern traditions it also commemorates the baptism of Christ. 

La galette des Rois

The galette des Rois, at the heart of modern festivities, has its origins in a custom dating back to Roman times. These festivities, dedicated to the god Saturn, were marked by banquets where a cake with a hidden bean was shared. The guest who found the bean became the “king” or “queen” of the day, temporarily reversing social roles.

With Christianization, this pagan tradition was reinterpreted to fit in with Epiphany. The bean, originally a real bean, has evolved over the centuries to become a porcelain or plastic figurine, now collected by enthusiasts.

This puff pastry cake, usually filled with apples or frangipane, originated in France. A real or fake bean is inserted inside. When it's time to serve, the youngest child determines which guest gets which portion.

The person who finds the bean in his or her portion is crowned king of the day, and gets a crown on his or her head to make his or her new title official.

As much fun as this is, the following year she'll have to provide the cake.