Random Christmas Fact #15 - King's Ring

Roscón de reyes (kings' ring) is a Spanish king's cake pastry traditionally eaten to celebrate Epiphany (January 6)  The tradition of placing a trinket (figurine of the Christ Child) in the cake is very old. The baby Jesus, when hidden in the bread, represents the flight of Jesus, fleeing from King Herod's evil plan to kill all babies that could be the prophesied messiah. Whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed.  The candied fruit on top represents the jewels in the king's crown.  In some cultures (haven't been able to determine if this is only a Mexican practice or also a Spanish one) whoever finds the figurine must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2, Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria). Other traditions say that the person who gets the figurine in their slice of cake gets to be "king" for the day.


We are seeing these cakes all around town already.  I wonder if you buy one early in the season if they have the figurine in them.  Perhaps I'll have to buy one and eat it to find out.