A king cake is a sweet, ring-shaped pastry traditionally served during the Carnaval season, beginning on Epiphany (January 6) and continuing through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. It is especially associated with Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, particularly in Louisiana, where it is often decorated in purple, green, and gold sugar. King cakes typically contain a small hidden trinket, such as a plastic baby Jesus, coin, ring, bean, or hard-boiled egg, symbolizing luck and responsibility for the finder.
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