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The King of the Bean - drawn by Edmond Morin, 1857. Creator: Unknown
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The King of the Bean - drawn by Edmond Morin, 1857. Creator: Unknown
The King of the Bean - drawn by Edmond Morin, 1857. On the day of the Epiphany in Normandy...after the family dinner, the cake is brought in...[It] has been previously cut in equal pieces, one of which contains a bean. The youngest member of the family is the one who draws the shares. The first share is called "the good God's share"...and is given to the poor...The second share is called "La part de l'absent, " and is put aside in some cupboard...[it] is considered as a sort of barometer of the health of the absent member of the family...The other shares are drawn just as the little boy or girl chooses...The happy one who gets the bean is named King or Queen for the night, and, every time he or she drinks, deafening shouts announce the operation. Generally the King takes good care to make them shout as often as he can, and so makes the evening pass merrily'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857
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The King of the Bean
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a charming tradition that unfolds on the Epiphany in Normandy, France, as depicted in this beautiful illustration by Edmond Morin, created in 1857. After a family dinner, a cake is brought in, its pieces already cut. One of these pieces conceals a bean, a coveted treasure that brings about the title of "King" or "Queen" for the night. The first piece, named "the good God's share," is set aside for the poor, reflecting the altruistic spirit of the occasion. The second piece, titled "La part de l'absent," is put away in some cupboard, believed to be a symbol of the absent family member's health and wellbeing. The remaining pieces are distributed among the family members, who draw them at random. The joyous one who finds the bean becomes the monarch for the evening, and every time they take a drink, the room echoes with the deafening shouts of their delighted family and friends. The King relishes in these moments, ensuring the evening is filled with laughter and merriment. This delightful custom, steeped in tradition and community, continues to bring families together in Normandy and beyond, making each Epiphany a memorable occasion.
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