An epiphany is a sudden and profound realization or insight. In Christianity, Epiphany is a feast day held on January 6, 12 days after Christmas. It celebrates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world through the visit of the Magi. This event symbolizes God’s revelation to all people, not just the Jews. Other related events include Jesus’ baptism. Epiphany Day is reminiscent of the biblical Christian tradition of the three wise men’s journey. Balthazar, Gaspard, and Melchior followed the star. They found Jesus born in the manger and came to honor him bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
On that day, a King’s cake is served. It is called La Galette des Rois. This is a delicious puffed pastry filled with frangipane or almond cream as prepared in the north of France. In the south of France, you’ll most often be eating a brioche-style cake. It is covered with candied fruits and called Gâteau des Rois, Brioche des Rois, or Brioche Provençale.
The galette follows the tradition of the Tirage des Rois, or the drawing of the King. Inside the galette hides a little trinket, or a fève. The custom is for the youngest child to be blindfolded under the table. They assign each piece of galette to be served to the guests. Whoever gets the piece of galette with the hidden fève is crowned king or queen for the day. That person wears the golden crown, or Couronne d’or.
The traditional fève ( the trinket, figurine, or almond hidden inside the galette) in France was originally a porcelain figurine. It is quite collectible. Did you know that collecting these fèves as a hobby is called “favophilie”?
Below is a collection of posts to rediscover for the occasion:
La Galette des Rois – Epiphany Day
We celebrate Epiphany Day 12 days after Christmas with La Galette des Rois which is reminiscent of the biblical Christian tradition of the three wise men’s journey bearing gifts of gold, myrrh, and incense following the birth of Jesus. The three wise men, or Kings, were called Balthazar, Gaspard, and Melchior, who followed the star to find Jesus in the manger. … Continue reading La Galette des Rois – Epiphany Day
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La Fête des Rois – Kings’ Day
All over France, we celebrate LaFête des Rois or Kings’ Day. It takes place 12 days after Christmas, on January 6th or on the first Sunday of the New Year. During this time, we share the very much anticipated and delicious Galette des Rois or Kings’ Cake! Although in most households the galette is enjoyed on Epiphany day and throughout… Continue reading La Fête des Rois – Kings’ Day
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Galette des Rois Tradition
On January 6th, all over France, we celebrate Epiphany Day, 12 days after Christmas, with La Galette des Rois, which is reminiscent of the biblical Christian tradition of the three wise men’s journey or Les Trois Rois Mages bearing gifts of gold, myrrh, and incense following the birth of Jesus. The three wise men, or Kings, were called Balthazar, Gaspard,… Continue reading Galette des Rois Tradition
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Galette des Rois – 3 Easy Recipes
This is an easy Galette des Rois recipe for Epiphany Day or La Fête des Rois, which is a French tradition on January 6. Read more about it here, too. I’ve made it several times at home, and it is delicious. This is a basic list of ingredients with 3 variations for the almond filling, which I adapt depending on whether I… Continue reading Galette des Rois – 3 Easy Recipes
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Bonne Fête des Rois!
La Fête des Rois, or King’s Day, is an anticipated holiday and tradition in France that takes place 12 days after Christmas. To celebrate, La Galette des Rois or a King’s Cake, is baked in many households and sold throughout the month of January in bakeries or supermarkets all over France to celebrate La Fête des Rois or King’s Day.… Continue reading Bonne Fête des Rois!
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Gateau des Rois ou Brioche Provençale
In the south of France, you’ll often enjoy un Gateau des Rois or une Brioche Provencale. This specialty of Provence is characterized by its soft brioche crown. It has an orange blossom fragrance. It is adorned with delicious, real candied fruits that look like shiny, colorful jewels. Brioche Provençale is a regional specialty that has been appreciated for centuries. This… Continue reading Gateau des Rois ou Brioche Provençale
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