Three kings Day

 

On the 6th of January, many European countries celebrate Épiphanie, also known as Three Kings Day. Épiphanie is celebrated after the 12th day of Christmas on January 6th. It is the day when three wise men visited baby Jesus and brought him gifts. The gifts included gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Three kings’ cake is made to honor them.

The three kings cake is known by different names in European countries. In France, the delicious ‘Galettes des Rois’ is a tart made of puff pastry and almond cream filling. In Switzerland, sweet and fluffy “Dreikönigskuchen” is made with puff pastry, fruits, and raisins. In Spain, a doughnut-shaped “Roscón de Reyes” is baked with crystallized sugar.

A small lucky porcelain charm is baked inside the tart. A gold paper crown is placed over it. Whoever finds the lucky charm gets to wear the crown and be the king or queen of the day.

Illustration and text by Purnima.