C4 - Festivals and Fasts

Question 1

King Cake and when, what and why it is eaten

Answer 1

King Cake is eaten on Epiphany
It is eaten to remember the Kings/Wise men who came to visit Jesus after he was born
The cake is sweetened dough, sometimes with chocolate chips or raisins

Question 2

Chalking the Door and when, what and why it happens

Answer 2

Chalking the door happens on Epiphany
It is done to symbolically invite God’s presence into the home and the lives of the people who live there
The symbols ‘20 + C + M + B + (year number)’ are chalked onto the door - the year number and traditional names of the Magi

Question 3

What is the social significance of observing Epiphany

Answer 3

It is a public holiday in Catholic countries on 6th Jan
It is a public holiday in Orthodox countries on 19th Jan
It also allows people to celebrate with food, services, and activities

Question 4

What are other ways Epiphany is observed

Answer 4

Families will exchange gifts
Children leave out drinks
There are parades and fireworks
In the Czech Republic, people swim in the river and there is a parade where people will dress up as the Magi and ride on camels through the Prague
People will eat a bread called Rosca de Reyes in Mexico