When it comes to the tradition of Mardi Gras in Louisiana, New Orleans residents take their holiday seriously. It happens every year, ending with Fat Tuesday, and ushers in weeks of revelry, tradition, and fun, which culminate in a massive celebration.
Some traditions are localized to New Orleans, while others are celebrated around the country, and some around the world.
Among those Mardi Gras traditions that have worked their way into the larger population: king cakes and the little plastic babies that live inside of them. But what does the baby mean, and why are people so eager to find it when they cut into a king cake? Here’s what we know about the unusual tradition.
What does the baby in the king cake mean?
We’ve all seen the cakes: ring-shaped yellow cakes with colorful frosting, usually in white, green, and purple. But people seem to go ga-ga over the chance to find a little plastic baby inside it…