Mardi Gras officially begins on the twelfth day after Christmas and ends the day before Lent, or “Fat Tuesday” as it is known by those who celebrate Mardi Gras. Each day from January 6 through Fat Tuesday is the day of celebration. Another name for January 6 is “Kings Day”. Some Christians call January 6 the “Epiphany” or (Little Christmas). Since the third century ,the “Epiphany” or (Little Christmas) has been observed as the day the Wise Men found the Baby Jesus.
King Cakes were initiated to celebrate “Kings Day”. They are oval in shape and decorated with the colors Green, Yellow, and Purple. These colors represent the gifts presented by the Wise Men. A small baby is placed in each cake as a symbol of “Finding the Baby Jesus”.
As the King Cake is cut, each person looks to see if his or her piece contains the baby. If it contains the baby, they become the Honored Guest, and designated King or Queen for the next day. That person will then bring a King Cake to the next celebration or the next day giving someone else the chance to become King or Queen.
