Epiphany Kings Cake

January I find myself researching European traditions to brighten these dark days of winter. Old traditions is how our ancestors got through winter, sitting by the fireside, telling stories and feasting.January 6th is the holiday of the 12 night of Christmas known as Epiphany. This is the day the three Wise Man followed the Christmas Star and entered Bethlehem. They presented their gifts to the Baby Jesus, of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. Their names were Balthasar, Melchior and Casper. Casper is sometime called Gasper. Legend goes on to tells us that Balthasar came from Ethiopia. Melchior was a King of Persia and Casper came from India.I celebrate Epiphany this year making a traditional Provence Bread that is shaped like a kings crown called King Broche. But I also have made the traditional Kings Cake from Northern France made with a flaky crust and almond paste inside. I really have enjoyed making organic candy orange peels and orange zest today that tops the Broche. It felt like having essence of sunshine in my kitchen on a grey rainy day.I like to share a few of the different Epiphany traditions in my research I hope you enjoy them.Once upon a time, I lived in France. On Jan. 6th, the Twelfth Day of Christmas, known as the 'Feast of the Epiphany, I was in a workshop. At lunch-time, they served a Galette des Rois. The childlike joy that this group of adults demonstrated was celebrated in the participation of this Medieval tradition of the King's Cake. This tasty cake is made with flaky pastry and an almond paste center known as Frangipane. The Galette des Rois's roots are even deeper than the Middle Ages, but came out of the Winter Solstice Festivals of ancient Rome. The cake was a symbol of the Light of the Sun, and the days growing longer.Traditionally a fava bean was baked in the cake. The cake would then be cut and served. Whoever found the fava bean would be crowned King/Queen of the year. The modern version uses a small porcelain figurine to replace the fava bean. The cake is cut into as many pieces as there are guests. One particular serving is called "The Share of the Virgin Mary”. This specific piece was always given to the poor.Many different versions of the King's Cake are celebrated in other countries including, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Bulgaria, Greece, and even Southern Louisiana. In New Orleans there is a superstition not to serve Galette des Rois out of season. But you can make this cake out of season… just leave out the fava bean, the special ingredient that makes it a King's Cake. The cake without the figurine is called Pithiviers.But there are other Epiphany traditions in Italy. It is the day Belfana an old witch takes flight in the sky on her broomstick delievering presents for children who had placed in their shoes out the night before. Good children shoes are filled with little gifts and candies while a naughty child’s shoe is filled with coal. Some village have a celebration of burning a doll that looks like Belfana in a bon fire, symbolic of burning the bad karma of the last year. Some how this ritual strikes me of medieval witch burning when some poor old woman would be blamed for the crops failing or some one’s cow going dry.Germany celebrates Epiphany with singing. People, that are called Star Singers known as Sternsinger will dress up like the three wise men and go door to door sharing songs.Austria celebrates by writing the initials of the Three Wise Men outside at their front door. They write the last year and the first year which would look like 20-C-M-B-21. This little ritual is suppose chase away all the bad from last year and bring protection for the new year. Poland does the same thing but they write with blessed chalk, foil and incense and do the same ritual. The hardy Russians head from the near by lake or river for the “Great Blessing of the Waters. A priest leads the procession in freezing weather and people total submerge into the cold water and are baptized. Supposedly this is very popular in Russia..personally I think I skip that tradition this year.But it is in Mexico hundreds of people gather with their Baby Jesus dolls to be Blessed and light candles in the church. I would feel right at home in Mexico.Epiphany is celebrated in England drinking Wassail which is a type of ale. England's tradition has much caroling, drinking, toasting and feasting.This is one of England Epiphany Song which reads like a Blessing for friends and family may it also Bless you.“Here we come a-wassailing Among the leaves so green, Here we come a-wassailing, So fair to be seen: Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too, And God bless you and send you, A Happy New Year.