Celebrate Epiphany: Origins, Traditions, and the King's Cake
What is Epiphany?
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is a significant Christian holiday celebrated on January 6. It commemorates the moment when the Three Wise Men—Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar—visited the newborn Jesus Christ, marking His manifestation to the Gentiles and His recognition as King of the Nations. The term Epiphany derives from the ancient Greek epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια), meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.”
This celebration concludes the Twelve Days of Christmas and holds special importance across various Christian denominations, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Historical Roots: From Pagan Rites to Christian Celebration
While Epiphany is rooted in Christian theology, some of its customs predate Christianity and are linked to pagan winter festivals—notably the Roman Saturnalia, a feast dedicated to the god Saturn. During this celebration, roles were reversed, and a “king for a day” was chosen via a special token hidden in a cake. This practice directly influenced the modern tradition of the king's cake, or galette des rois.
The Christian Church often adapted local pagan rituals to ease the conversion process. Thus, the blending of religious symbolism with culinary tradition gave birth to what we now recognize as the Epiphany king’s cake tradition.
French Epiphany Traditions: The Galette des Rois
In France, Epiphany is inseparable from the Galette des Rois—a celebratory pastry enjoyed throughout January. Hidden inside each cake is a small charm, called a fève (originally a dried bean). The person who finds the fève is crowned King or Queen for the day and wears a festive golden paper crown.
The Two Main Styles of King’s Cake in France:
Galette à la Frangipane (Classic Almond King's Cake)
Popular in Northern and Western France, this cake is made with flaky puff pastry and filled with frangipane—a luscious mix of almond cream and pastry cream.
Brioche des Rois (Southern King's Cake)
Favored in Provence and Southern France, this version is a brioche-style cake, shaped like a crown, infused with orange blossom water, and adorned with candied fruits.
In Paris, both versions are widely enjoyed, and many bakeries create innovative twists on the classics.
The Fève: A Collectible Tradition
Originally, the fève was a humble dried bean, but over time it evolved into a small porcelain figurine, often representing baby Jesus, saints, or cartoon characters. Today, some fèves are handcrafted and highly collectible, and enthusiasts—known as fabophiles—go to great lengths to find rare or vintage pieces.
Where to Find the Best King’s Cake, in France?
Looking to try an authentic Galette des Rois or Brioche des Rois? Many French bakeries, pâtisseries, and gourmet stores offer them during early January.
Whether you prefer the buttery almond-filled pastry or the fruity brioche, Epiphany is a perfect excuse to indulge in one of France’s most beloved traditions.
Wines to Pair with King Cake
Choosing a sparkling wine or a sweet white wine is a reliable choice to pair with a Galette des Rois, whether it’s brioche, frangipane, or fruit-filled.
Coteaux du Layon AOC: A sweet white wine from the Loire Valley, with aromas of yellow fruits and honey, is also an excellent choice to balance the richness of the galette.
Champagne AOC, Pol Roger, Réserve: A balanced brut champagne with fruity flavors, ideal for this dessert. It won’t overwhelm the palate, while contrasting nicely with the texture and flavors of the galette. A rich pairing that will both delight and surprise.
To fully enjoy the harmony between the dessert and the wine, serve the galette at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavors. A galette that is too cold may mask the delicate almond aromas.
❝ Dear Wine Lovers 👑,
Epiphany is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate this beloved French tradition with a king cake and exceptional wines.
Every year, Epiphany marks the end of the holiday season and invites us to share a special moment with family and friends. To make your celebration unforgettable in 2025, we have selected the perfect wines to pair with your king cake.
Let’s make this Epiphany an occasion to remember!❞
Grand Cru and Etiquette
Sources:
Beard, Mary. SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome. Liveright, 2015.
Le Goff, Jacques. La naissance du purgatoire. Gallimard, 1981.
