But where does this tradition come from ?
With Christmas over, it’s time to celebrate the Epiphany with your family ! As everywhere in France, on the second Sunday after Christmas, we celebrate the Epiphany in Provence, which is part of the calendar celebrations.
Epiphany, which comes from the Greek , meaning “apparition”, symbolises in Christianity the arrival of the three king at the side of the Holy Child-Jesus.
These Magi would thus have accomplished a long journey to come and visit the newborn baby who, in the Provençal tradition, would have been born in Provence !
Thus, the three Wise Men take their place on january 6th in the cots installed in Provençal houses at the beginning of December, and remains until Candlemas, Fevruary 2nd.
Guided by the Sheperd’s star, the three Magi arrived at the barn where the Child-Jesus was born on this day to deposit their offerings.
This tradition reached France at the end of the 14th century, through the Papecy of Avignon, where the first drawing of Kings took place at the Dominican convent.
During these ceremonies, a round cake filled with figs, dates and honey was made and divided equally between the masters and the slaves. Inside the cake, was a bean and whoever fell on it was named king for the day .
