For everyone in Katy and Fulshear who have been asking what is the King Cake all about here is your answers.
The tradition of the King Cake is believed to have originated in France around the 12th century. The people celebrated the coming of the three wise men bearing gifts twelve days after Christmas calling it the Feast of the epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day.
The baking of a King’s Cake was to honor the three Kings. The cakes were made circular to emulate the circular route used by the kings to get to the Christ Child, which was taken to confuse King Herod who was trying to follow the wise men so he could kill the Christ Child. In the early days of the King Cakes a bean, pea, or coin was hidden inside the cake. The person who got the hidden piece was declared King for the day or was said to have good luck in the coming year and had to host the next King Cake party.
In Louisiana, Twelfth Night also signifies the beginning of the carnival season which ends with Mardi Gras Day. The bean, pea and the coin have been replaced by a small plastic baby to symbolize the Christ Child. The colors of the King Cake are gold which represents power, green which represents faith, and purple which represents justice. The person who gets the baby is expected to carry on the carnival festivities by hosting the next King Cake party.