Traditions keep the family together. That’s why I am especially happy when I discover fun and simple ways to make time spent with loved ones special. I lived in Paris for a long time and became familiar with the French custom of celebrating Epiphany with a particular cake – an easy-to-make, delicious cake in which a small figurine is hidden, so that whoever gets the slice with the figurine is crowned king or queen for the day.
Historically, Epiphany was the time when gifts were given, because the gift was brought by a king, not by Santa Claus from Lapland. In itself, this symbolism is very important. It should not be underestimated that when Jesus was born, the wise men or kings from the East found their way to Him, as it shows that even then there were those whose hearts were aligned with God’s will – something we also strive for.
The French are not the only ones who celebrate Epiphany in a special way. Many Catholics around the world have created their own version of this cake: the Portuguese have bolo-rei, the Spanish have oscón de reyes , in Switzerland there is Dreikönigskuchen, and in Mexico there is Rosca de reyes .
Below is a picture of the Tartu Catholic Church at Christmas. I ask: “What is missing from the picture?” I think it’s a cake! Everyone who agrees with me, let’s come up with what the Epiphany cake of Estonian Catholics could be like, so that 2027 would begin with a new beautiful tradition.
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