King Cake 2025: Discover the Origins of This Delicious Epiphany Tradition!

After the New Year’s celebrations, it’s time for Epiphany, celebrated every year on January 6. This Christian holiday is a wonderful time to bring together both young and old to enjoy the traditional King’s Cake. Whether it’s made with frangipane or given a creative twist, this sweet moment carries on traditions that are still alive today. Discover all there is to know about Epiphany and its customs.

When is Epiphany in 2025?

Epiphany occurs annually on January 6, twelve days after Christmas. In 2025, this Christian feast falls on Monday, January 6. However, it is commonly celebrated with family on the following Sunday. Religious services for Epiphany are often held on that day as well. In the United States, the tradition of choosing the kings often spans the first half of January.

What is the origin of Epiphany?

The origin of Epiphany dates back to the fourth century when the Church established it to commemorate the visit of the Magi following the birth of Jesus. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, coming from the East, followed a star to Bethlehem, arriving twelve days after His birth to present their gifts. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Melchior, an elderly man with white hair, brought gold, symbolizing Jesus’s kingship. Caspar, a young man, offered incense, acknowledging His divinity. Finally, Balthazar, with dark skin, presented myrrh, a resin used for embalming, foreshadowing His death.

Furthermore, the word Epiphany, derived from the Latin “Epiphania,” means “appearance.” In the New Testament, it refers to the manifestation of Christ on Earth and the proclamation of His reign.

Why do we eat King’s Cake at Epiphany?

The main tradition of Epiphany is to enjoy a King’s Cake and crown a king or queen. But why this cake? The practice dates back to Roman times during the Saturnalia, a seven-day festival marking the winter solstice and honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Romans shared a round, golden cake, symbolizing the sun, to celebrate this time. Even then, a bean was hidden in the cake, and the person who found it was named “king or queen of Saturnalia.” This ancient custom evolved into the current tradition of choosing kings by enjoying the King’s Cake.

Craft activities for kids during Epiphany

Beyond choosing a king and queen on this day, children can also enjoy making a beautiful paper or cardboard crown to wear proudly or engaging in coloring activities. If you’re looking for ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our templates for printable crowns and a variety of tutorials on this theme.

What is the origin of the bean in the King’s Cake?

In Roman times, each cake included a bean. The person who found the bean was crowned as king or queen for the evening. Originally, the bean inserted into the dessert was a legume (a bean), which was later replaced by a gold coin and then by a porcelain bean in the 19th century. Even today, a bean is placed in the cakes, and the person who finds it in their slice becomes king or queen for the day and dons their paper crown.