The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

KING CAKE -- A PART OF MARDI GRAS

THE FIRST BALL OF MARDI GRAS IS ON THE TWELFTH NIGHT. TRADITIONALLY
THE QUEEN AND HER ATTENDANTS WERE DETERMINED BY THE KING CAKE.
THIS IS A SWEET CAKE MADE IN A RING WITH DIFFERENT COLOR SUGARS
ON THE TOP. INSIDE ARE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF SILVER BEANS AND ONE
GOLD BEAN. THE GIRL WHO GOT THE GOLD BEAN WAS THE QUEEN OF THE
BALL, AND THOSE WHO GOT THE SILVER BEANS WERE ATTENDANTS.
NOW IT IS PLANNED WHO WILL GET WHICH BEANS, BUT THE CAKE
IS STILL A PART OF THE MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL.

Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans

Date learned: 02-00-1971