History of Mardi Gras King Cakes

* The Mardi Gras season begins on the Twelfth Night of Christmas, January 6^th which is known as the Epiphany.

* The Epiphany has been observed as the day the three Wise Men finally found the infant Jesus.

* King Cakes were initiated to celebrate this holy day.

* A small plastic baby is placed in each cake as a symbol of “finding the baby Jesus”.

* King Cakes are decorated in the carnival colors of purple, green and gold.  Purple symbolizes        justice; green symbolizes faith; and gold symbolizes power.

* As the cake is cut, each person looks to see if his or her piece contains a small plastic baby.

* Many carnival clubs, or Krewes, choose the Queen of their carnival by this tradition.

* Some also believe that the person who gets the baby will have a year of good fortune.

* To continue the King Cake parties, the person who finds the baby is responsible for bringing the King Cake to the next celebration.