The origin of the Roscón de Reyes

Year after year we see on our Christmas tables a sweet that has become indispensable: the Roscón de Reyes. We all know that it hides two gifts: a bean and a ceramic doll, but do we really know where this tradition comes from? Does it have something to do with the Three Wise Men? Why is it eaten on the night of Epiphany?…

We tell you the origin of the Roscón de Reyes and why it has become so popular.

The tradition of the Roscón de Reyes

Although it is shaped like a king’s crown, adorned with large candied fruits like royal jewels, the truth is that, however good it may be, the Roscón de Reyes has nothing to do with a royal dessert, nor with the Three Kings, nor even with the Christian religion.

The Roscón de Reyes has its origins in ancient Rome, in the festivities known as Las Saturnales, in honor of the god Saturn.

These festivities were commemorated at the end of December to celebrate the arrival of the winter solstice with the beginning of longer days of light, and to thank the slaves for their long work in the fields. In those years the elaboration of the roscón had nothing to do with the current one, but it was a kind of cake made with figs, dates and honey, which was distributed among the slaves as thanks for their work.

From the third century onwards, a dry bean was introduced, which, unlike today, was the great prize. It was a long awaited prize, since the one who won it was crowned King of Kings for a while and then left free.

Roscón de Reyes in Spain

When Christianity was established in Rome, the church absorbed the feast of the Saturnalia and the king’s cake was forgotten. However, in France, a very similar festival called Le Roi de Fave (The Bean King ) was celebrated. In this case, it was no longer the slaves who were given the cake, but the children, and whoever found the bean was presented with gifts.

It was not until later, when a gift was included inside the roscón that was not a bean. The king of France Louis XV decided to make a game and hide a coin inside each roscón, a custom that his court liked very much and that, evidently, quickly spread throughout the country.

In the 18th century, Philip V, Louis XV’ s uncle, introduced this tradition in Spain as an end-of-Christmas celebration. And, until the 19th century, the bean did not become the negative part of the roscón, because it is already known that the one who gets it must pay for the roscón. Fortunately, to compensate, a ceramic figurine was added, which makes the person who finds it a king, at least of his house and momentarily.

The recipe of today’s Roscón de Reyes

The recipe for the Roscón de Reyes has varied over the centuries and the countries through which it has passed. From its ancient elaboration in Italy, with figs and dates, to the sophistication of today’s recipes with truffle or cream fillings.

In fact, the traditional recipe is in the form of a bun, without filling, and usually adds orange blossom water to flavor the roscón.

At
Casa Mira
we elaborate a wonderful roscón de reyes, totally handmade in our workshop, decorated with fruit and nuts.

You can come to visit us at our physical store or buy it through our online store, but be sure to try it!