In many French-speaking countries and regions, a traditional pastry called galette des rois is served during the Epiphany, a Christian feast day celebrating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. The pastry’s name __1__ from French as “kings’ cake” and refers to the Magi of the Bible, who were also known as the three kings. The pastry is typically round and filled with an almond cream called frangipane.
The origin of galette des rois dates back to the Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival __2__ the god Saturn and held to celebrate the longer days following the winter solstice. It was not until the Middle Ages __3__ the pastry became associated with the Epiphany, which the Christian church observed on Jan. 6.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of galette des rois is the small figurine hidden within it. Called la feve, the French word for “bean,” this figurine serves as __4__. Whoever finds it in their slice is crowned king or queen for a day. They get to wear a paper crown and will be responsible for bringing the pastry to the gathering next year. Originally, an actual bean was used __5__ it symbolized fertility and the coming of spring. In the 19th century, however, la feve evolved into a small porcelain figurine like the ones found in Nativity scenes.
Photo: Shutterstock I 照片：Shutterstock
Steeped in history and tradition, galette des rois is a delicious and symbolic centerpiece of the Epiphany celebrations, with its hidden figurine adding an element of surprise and delight to the occasion.
在許多法語國家和地區，每到主顯節，人們都會品嚐一種名為galette des rois（編按：中文常稱為國王派，或稱國王餅、國王蛋糕）的傳統糕點，主顯節是基督教的節日，是為了慶祝東方三博士拜訪嬰孩耶穌。這種糕點從法語翻譯過來的意思是「國王們的蛋糕」，指的是聖經中的東方三博士，他們也被稱為三個國王。這種糕點通常是圓形的，內餡為一種叫做frangipane的杏仁奶油。
國王派的起源可以追溯到農神節，農神節是一個專為祭祀農業之神薩圖恩的古羅馬節日，目的是慶祝冬至後白天變長的日子。直到中世紀，這種糕點才與基督教教會於一月六日慶祝的主顯節聯繫起來。
Photo: Shutterstock I 照片：Shutterstock
國王派最有趣的地方或許是藏在其中的小塑像。這個小塑像被稱為la feve（法語意思為「蠶豆」），是一個特殊的獎品。誰在自己拿到的那一片派裡找到它，就能加冕為一日國王或王后。他們可以戴上紙皇冠，並要為下一年的聚會準備國王派。最初，人們使用真實蠶豆，因為它象徵生育和春天的到來。然而在十九世紀，la feve演變成一個小瓷偶，就像耶穌誕生場景中的那些塑像一樣。
國王派深具歷史和傳統色彩，是主顯節慶祝活動中一道美味又有象徵意義的重頭戲，其隱藏在內的小塑像為節日增添幾分驚喜和愉悅。
1. (A) graduates (B) surrenders
Photo: Shutterstock I 照片：Shutterstock
(C) translates (D) resigns
2. (A) showered with (B) dedicated to
(C) equipped with (D) addicted to
3. (A) what (B) why
(C) that (D) how
4. (A) a significant project (B) a serious promise
(C) a secret puzzle (D) a special prize
5. (A) as (B) so
(C) lest (D) while
答案：
1. C 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. A
Words in Use
1. pastry n. 糕點
The bakery sells a variety of delicious pastries.
這家麵包店有賣各式各樣的美味糕點。
2. feast n. （宗教）節日
One of the most celebrated Christian feast days around the world is the Christmas holiday.
世界各地最廣泛慶祝的基督教節日之一是耶誕節。
3. aspect n. 方面
A good education can be helpful in all aspects of life.
良好的教育對人生各方面都有所幫助。
4. crown vt. 為……加冕
Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned King of Thailand on May 5, 1950.
蒲美蓬．阿杜德於 1950 年五月五日被加冕為泰國國王。
5. gathering n. 聚會
We’d like to request the honor of your presence at our gathering.
我們希望有這個榮幸邀請您出席我們的聚會。
Practical Phrases
1. become / be associated with...
和……有關聯
This fashion brand has become associated with the TV series after many of its clothes were featured on the show.
這個時尚品牌因為其許多服裝在該電視劇中亮相而與該劇聯繫在一起。
2. be steeped in...
有豐富的∕富有……
Eric loves visiting small towns that are steeped in history.
艾瑞克喜愛造訪那些歷史悠久的小鎮。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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