The baby hidden inside a king cake symbolizes the infant Jesus and commemorates the Magi encountering the Christ Child at Epiphany. In many celebrations, the person who finds the baby in their slice is said to receive good luck and is often expected to host the next gathering or provide the next king cake. In parts of the United States, for example, the person who receives the baby is named “king” or “queen” of the festivities and must keep the revelries going until Lent begins. In some cultures, the trinket is not a baby but another small token, such as a coin, bean, ring, or other figurine, each carrying its own symbolic meaning.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style