King cake is a quintessential part of New Orleans' Mardi Gras tradition, linking back to the Biblical Epiphany and pagan celebrations. Its origins date to the 1870s, derived from the French galette des rois. Over time, the cake evolved, with the inclusion of a hidden prize—initially a bean—later replaced by a plastic baby by baker Donald Entringer Sr. in the late 1940s. This addition was not rooted in religious symbolism, but a creative choice to enhance the festive tradition.
The 'king' name originates from the Biblical story of the Three Wise Men, linking king cake to the celebration of Epiphany and ancient fertility traditions.
King cakes, arriving in the U.S. in the 1870s, evolved from French galette des rois, initially filled with almond frangipane, not the colorful sugars seen today.
The introduction of a plastic baby in king cakes by baker Donald Entringer Sr. in the late 1940s was more about creativity than symbolism.
The tradition of hiding a prize in the cake carries historical significance, transforming as it merged with local customs and modern interpretations.
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