When it’s time to cut the cake there are traditions to be upheld.
In some homes the cake is cut into slices according to how many people are present. In times gone by, families might cut an extra slice called “la part du Bon Dieu” (God’s piece) or “la part de la Vierge” (the Virgin Mary’s piece). The extra slice was given to the poor.
Tradition says that whoever gets a slice of the cake with the 'fève' in, will be the King or Queen for a day and wear a golden crown which comes with the cake when you buy it. Often, the youngest person at the meal is made to sit under the table and call out the names of those seated and slices of cake are served accordingly. That way whoever gets the 'fève' is completely randomly chosen!
When the cake is served tension mounts, everyone chews with an element of care – it wouldn’t do to swallow the 'fève'…
Galette des Rois, the cake of Kings…
by Janine Marsh