I just learned first hand that Canadian French culture and Cajun French culture are worlds apart.
One of my co-workers told me that there was a cake in the break room. So I made way over to check out what kind of cake was available. To my surprise, it was a King Cake - one of my favorite desserts of all time. I cut a slice and went to tell my co-worker that this was not just a cake, but it was a King Cake.
I then started explaining the traditions surrounding King Cakes. I told her that it symbolizes finding the Baby Jesus... and that you put a baby in the cake. It was at this point that things took a turn. Her face was full of shock. I went on to tell her that they used to bake the cake with the baby inside it... she had had enough at this point. She exclaimed, "A real baby?!?!"
I quickly explained that it was a porcelain baby... and then I was able to finish my story. We had quite a laugh over that. I guess she thought the tradition was started by Sweeny Todd and Mrs. Lovett.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Wow! Makes me think of the King Solomon story...
I have loved every one of your Canada blog entries, but this one takes the cake!
(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
:)
So the co-worker in question just told me that she told her husband the story this weekend... and he had the same reaction as she did. Wow. I mean New Orleans is a wicked city, for sure... but there are limits to what even they will do.
Laurie, I will just choose not to recognize your pun. It is just better that way. :-)
You can break a tooth if you find that baby by accident.
And if you find it, don't you have to buy the cake next year?
There wasn't a baby in that cake? Who stole the baby? The last one I found, I named in China because that's what was written on its back.
In New Orleans, Mardi Gras lasts from early January until Fat Tuesday... and King Cakes are a staple for any Mardi Gras party. So whoever finds the baby brings the King Cake to the next party... which may be the next day... or the next week. For us, it is kinda a yearly thing, though. So the rule is not enforced. I mean, who could remember who found the baby last year? Even if his name is China.
Todd, now I'm craving King Cake -- even sans l'enfant.
I mighta hafta be makin' me a trip to Nawleens, eh?
Or maybe just Central Market. Probably better since gas prices are high.
Have a fun Canadian Mardi Gras. I guess there's no beads in Canada either.
Post a Comment