The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CROWN IN THE CAKE

IN FRANCE ON CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25TH, A FAMILY WILL
GET TOGETHER AND HAVE A HUGE FEAST. AFTER DINNER, A LARGE
CAKE IS BROUGHT OUT. THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE WILL CUT THE
CAKE VERY CAREFULLY. SOMEWHERE IN THE CAKE, THERE IS A SMALL
CROWN, THE SIZE OF A HALF DOLLAR. THE ONE WHO GETS THE
CROWN IS KING OR QUEEN FOR THE DAY. HE OR SHE GETS ANYTHING
THEY DESIRE, AND ALL THEIR WISHES MUST BE OBEYED. THIS IS ONLY
FOR THAT DAY.

Submitter comment: MY GRANDMOTHER SPOKE OF THIS TRADITION WITH A SMILE.
IT IS A FADING TRADITION IN FRANCE. SHE REMEMBERS IT
FROM HER EARLIEST CHILDHOOD.

Where learned: CANADA ; COLLECTED IN ONTARIO

Date learned: 00-00-1926

View just this record