Epiphany

For all French people, Epiphany is synonymous with the "Galette des rois" (a cake), which is enjoyed ceremoniously a few days before and after January 6.


January 6 is the occasion in France to "choose the Kings" (to decide who will be the king of the day). The "galette des rois" is a round, flat, and golden cake made with flake pastry and often filled with frangipane, fruit, or chocolate. In Provence, the galette takes the form of a ring of brioche topped with candied fruit. A porcelain or earthenware figurine ("the bean") is placed in a traditional flat cake called a "galette", the roundness of which symbolizes the sun.

The tradition has it that the youngest member of the family distribute the slices to the different people seated. The lucky one who finds the "broad bean" in his slice of the "galette" becomes the king (or queen) of the day and must choose his / her companion.

Each bakery in France sells different sizes of "galettes des rois" throughout the month of January. The cake comes with a gold cardboard crown. As for the traditional date for the tasting of the galette, it is generally set for the Sunday closest to January 6, because the French don't work and the whole family can therefore be gathered for the event.


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