A king cake, also known as a three kings cake, is a cake associated in many countries with Epiphany. Its form and ingredients are variable, but in most cases a fève such as a figurine, often said to represent the Christ Child, is hidden inside. After the cake is cut, whoever gets the fève wins a prize. Modern fèves can be made of other materials, and can represent various objects and people.
Part of a Mobilian-style king cake with the baby figurine on top
Le gâteau des Rois, by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, 1774 (Musée Fabre)
Northern French style galette des rois
Southern French style gâteau des rois
Epiphany, or Eid al-Ghitas, also known as "Theophany" in Eastern Christian tradition, is a Christian feast day commemorating the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana.
The Adoration of the Magi by Edward Burne-Jones (1904)
Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (17th century).
Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568, Museo Soumaya, Mexico City).
Holy (Epiphany) water vessel from 15th–16th centuries. It is found on Hisar near the town of Leskovac, Serbia. Photographed in National museum of Leskovac.