Epiphany (L'Épiphanie) - The Feast of Kings

January 6th's Épiphanie demonstrates how religious holidays can maintain cultural relevance while losing explicit religious content. The galette des rois (king cake) tradition transforms offices, schools, and homes into sites of gentle celebration.

The Republican Galette

The tradition of finding a fève (charm) in the cake and becoming king or queen for the day transcends religious boundaries. Even the Élysée Palace hosts a galette ceremony, though republican protocol ensures no fève in the President's cake – the Republic recognizes no kings!

"We sell galettes to customers of every faith and none," notes Stéphanie Laurent, a Paris baker. "It's about sharing a moment of surprise and joy. Last year, we created fèves representing different cultural symbols – a crescent moon, a Buddha, a menorah alongside traditional crowns."