A GOOD KING CAKE BY Ô BON PAIN
On Friday 6th January will be the Epiphany and for many, the tasting of the traditional “Galette des rois” (King Cake)
To perpetuate the tradition, our pastry chef, Quentin Thévenard,
has prepared delicious frangipane Galettes for you to find at the Ô Bon Pain
bakery!
For 4 people at the price of €18 and for 6 people at
the price of €26, the galettes des rois are available from 28th
December.
BUT WHERE DOES THE TRADITION OF SHARING A GALETTE COME FROM?
Epiphany is one of the oldest holi day in
Christianity, celebrated on 6th January by Catholics and on 19th
January by Orthodox as a tribute to the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem.
However, going back in history, we reach Roman times,
the cult of Saturnalia and their festivities during which excesses were allowed
and it was customary to offer round-shaped golden cakes (recall to the Sun).
The slaves were even invited to share the cake and
whoever fell on the charm had the right to get what he wanted for the day.
It is also in the Saturnalia that the tradition goes
back to the youngest person in the audience designating who will get the next
slice.
Religious or pagan festival, only one certainty, the
common point remains sharing... (and certainly gluttony 🙂)