國王蛋糕：路易斯安那州甜蜜多彩的傳統，尤其是在狂歡節期間

這不僅僅是一個蛋糕；它是一個蛋糕。這是一個用麵團、糖和一點神秘包裹的整個故事。國王蛋糕的歷史可以追溯到歐洲古代。

The King Cake is a beloved and colorful tradition in Louisiana, especially during Mardi Gras season. But did you know that this isn't just a cake; it's a whole story wrapped in dough, sugar, and a bit of mystery?

國王蛋糕是路易斯安那州深受喜愛且豐富多彩的傳統，尤其是在狂歡節期間。但你知道這不僅僅是一個蛋糕嗎？這是一個用麵團、糖和一點神秘包裹著的整個故事嗎？

The history of King Cake traces back to ancient times in Europe. It all started with Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th. This day marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. Europeans would bake a simple cake to celebrate, hiding a small token, like a bean or a coin, inside. Whoever found the token was crowned "king" for the day.

國王蛋糕的歷史可以追溯到歐洲古代。一切都始於主顯節，這是 1 月 6 日慶祝的基督教節日。這一天標誌著三智者降臨嬰孩耶穌。歐洲人會烤一個簡單的蛋糕來慶祝，並在裡面藏一個小標記，例如豆子或硬幣。誰找到了令牌，誰就被加冕為當天的「國王」。

Fast forward to the 18th century, and French settlers brought this tradition to Louisiana. Of course, we Louisianans can’t just leave anything plain, we had to jazz it up! The King Cake quickly became a centerpiece of Mardi Gras celebrations, filled with rich traditions and plenty of sugar.

快進到 18 世紀，法國定居者將這項傳統帶到了路易斯安那州。當然，我們路易斯安那人不能讓一切變得簡單，我們必須讓它變得有趣！國王蛋糕很快就成為狂歡節慶祝活動的核心，充滿了豐富的傳統和大量的糖。

Today’s King Cakes are ring-shaped, symbolizing unity and the never-ending cycle of life. They’re covered in purple, green, and gold sugar, each color has a special meaning: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. Inside the cake, there's a tiny plastic baby hidden (a nod to the old token tradition). Finding the baby means two things: you’re the "king" for the day, and you’re responsible for bringing the next King Cake to the party!

今天的國王餅是環形的，象徵著團結和生命永無止境的循環。它們被紫色、綠色和金色的糖覆蓋，每種顏色都有特殊的含義：紫色代表正義，綠色代表信仰，金色代表力量。蛋糕裡面隱藏著一個小小的塑膠嬰兒（這是對古老象徵傳統的致敬）。找到寶寶意味著兩件事：你是當天的“國王”，並且你有責任為派對帶來下一個國王蛋糕！

But here's where it gets really Louisiana. Modern King Cakes aren’t just simple. Oh no! They’re stuffed with everything from cream cheese to praline filling, and some even have crazy toppings like fruit or chocolate drizzle. Bakeries all over Louisiana compete to create the most delicious and creative King Cakes.

但這才是真正的路易斯安那州。現代國王蛋糕並不簡單。哦不！它們裡面塞滿了從奶油乳酪到果仁糖等各種餡料，有些甚至還有水果或巧克力淋等瘋狂的配料。路易斯安那州各地的麵包店競相製作最美味、最有創意的國王蛋糕。

So next time you bite into a King Cake, you’re not just enjoying a delicious treat. You’re taking part in a tradition that's centuries old, steeped in history, and uniquely Louisiana. And if you find the baby? Well, you’d better start planning your next party!

因此，下次您咬一口國王蛋糕時，您不僅僅是在享受美味佳餚。您正在參與一個有著數百年歷史、歷史悠久且具有路易斯安那州特色的傳統。如果你找到孩子了呢？好吧，你最好開始計劃你的下一次聚會！

11 Times Tee Shirts Said What We Were Thinking at Mardi Gras

11 次 T 卹說出了我們在狂歡節上的所想

Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells

圖片來源：布魯斯·米克爾斯