In France, a very popular tradition in January is eating la galette des rois, also called the King’s Cake. Around nine out of ten French people take part in this tradition, often linked to Epiphany, on January 6th. However, the tradition is actually much older than Christianity.
The King’s Cake exists in many countries under different names, such as Roscon de Reyes in Spanish-speaking countries and Bolo Rei in Portugal. While it is now connected to the Christian story of the three kings, its origins are pagan. It dates back to ancient Rome and the festival of Saturnalia, a time when social rules were reversed and even slaves could become “king” for a short time.
Today in France, about 50 million galettes are sold every year. Inside each cake, there is a small object called a fève, which decides who becomes the king or queen of the meal. To avoid cheating, the youngest person hides under the table and names who gets each slice. Interestingly, at the Élysée Palace, the cake does not contain a fève, because the French Republic does not allow a king, even symbolically.
Vocabulary :
• tradition (noun): a custom passed down over time.
• Epiphany (noun): a Christian celebration on January 6th.
• pagan (adj): related to ancient religions, not Christian.
• banquet (noun): a large, formal meal.
• fève (noun): a small object hidden inside the cake.
• designate (verb): to officially choose or name someone.
• slice (noun): a thin piece of food cut from a whole.
• symbolically (adverb): in a symbolic way, not literal.