The Feast
On what specific date in January is Epiphany traditionally celebrated?
January 6th
This is the name of the flaky puff pastry cake traditionally eaten in northern France for Epiphany.
La Galette des Rois.
What is the name of the small figurine or lucky charm hidden inside the cake?
La Fève.
To ensure fair distribution, this person traditionally hides under the table to call out who gets each slice.
The youngest person (or the youngest child)
Epiphany commemorates the visit of these three biblical figures to the infant Jesus.
The Three Wise Men (The Magi).
Because it is not a public holiday, most French families now celebrate Epiphany on which day (think day and placement)?
The first Sunday after January 1st.
What is the name of the sweet almond-flavored cream filling found inside a traditional galette?
Frangipane.
Long ago, before porcelain figurines, what literal vegetable was hidden in the cake?
A fava bean (or broad bean).
What is the name of the "fair distribution" game where someone goes under the table?
Tirer les rois (to draw the kings).
Name the three traditional gifts the Magi brought to Bethlehem.
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
What is the common French name for this holiday, which translates to "The Day of the Kings"?
Le Jour des Rois.
Instead of a puff pastry, what type of sweet, brioche-style bread is eaten in southern France?
Gâteau des Rois (or Couronne des Rois).
What does the person who finds the fève in their slice get to wear for the rest of the day?
A golden paper crown.
If there are five people present, the cake is often cut into how many slices to include one for the poor?
Six.
Which ancient Roman winter festival, where roles were reversed between masters and slaves, is considered a precursor to the "King for a day" tradition?
Epiphany marks the end of what holiday time period?
The 12 Days of Christmas.
The southern version of the cake is typically shaped like this object and decorated with candied fruit.
A Crown.
What is a "fabophile"?
A collector of fèves.
What was the name of the extra slice of cake set aside for the first poor person who passed by?
La part du Bon Dieu (The God's share) or la part du pauvre.
During the French Revolution, the holiday was briefly renamed this to avoid the word "King."
La Fête du Bon Voisinage (Festival of Good Neighborhood) or La Fête des Sans-Culottes.
While Epiphany is the religious name, the season of eating the special cake often lasts through how long?
Throughout the month of January.
What does the French President's galette uniquely lack due to revolutionary principles of "equality"?
A "fève" or a crown.
In some traditions, the person who finds the fève is expected to do what for the next gathering?
Buy or provide the next galette
What choice does the newly crowned "King" have to make once they find the fève?
Choose their Queen (or vice versa).
According to tradition, what were the names of the three kings?
Balthazar, Caspar (Gaspard), and Melchior.