- Tortell
Tortell (Catalan [turˈteλ] "or" [torˈteλ] ) is a Catalan typically O-shaped pastry stuffed with
marzipan , that on some special occasions is topped with glazed fruit. It is traditionally eaten onJanuary 6 (Epiphany (holiday) ), at the conclusion of theTwelve Days of Christmas . This is also known as the day of the Three Wise Men according to the Catholic liturgical calendar.The "tortell de reis" contains two hidden surprises: a dried field bean, and a little figurine the same size. The person who gets the figurine in their cut gets to wear the paper crown. The person who gets the dried fava bean in their cut gets to pay for the tortell.
A similar tradition in and around
New Orleans, Louisiana is theking cake .References
*cite web | title=Christmas | work=Catholic Encyclopedia | url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm | accessdate=December 22 | accessyear=2005 Primarily subhead "Popular Merrymaking" under "Liturgy and Custom".
* "Christmas Trivia" edited by Jennie Miller Helderman, Mary Caulkins. Gramercy, 2002
* Marix-Evans, Martin. "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Peter Pauper Press, 2002
* Bowler, Gerry. "The World Encyclopedia of Christmas". McClelland & Stewart, 2004
* Collins, Ace. "Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas". Zondervan, 2003
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