One of the best parts of anthropology is participating in different cultural traditions. Dr. (or should we say King?) Aaron Comstock, pictured here, participates in a King Cake tradition. King Cakes are baked during the season of Carnival (the time between Epiphany, 12 days after Christmas, and Mardi Gras, the beginning of Lent).  Originally a Christian tradition, the King Cake is nearly 300 years old and involves a French based dough topped with colored sugar. Colors on the cake are traditionally symbolic: purple symbolizes justice, green faith, and gold power. Inside, a small figurine is hidden for one lucky consumer to find. The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to the finder,  who is then crowned King or Queen for the day. Dr. Comstock can be seen holding the baby in his left hand, while wearing the crown. Want to learn more about the history of King Cakes and how they made it from Europe to New Orleans? Check out this Scientific American Blog.

The King Cake is one of many traditions that take place this time of year. What traditions do you and your family celebrate? Send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and tell us your story (with a photo), or, if there’s a culinary component, feel free to immerse us in the tradition and stop by Smith Lab 4034, home of the Anthropology Department! We’ll share more pictures and stories on our social media!