No Mardi Gras is complete without a king cake and every king cake needs a baby!

Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden in the king cake. 

Originally, the baby was placed into the cake to symbolize baby Jesus.

Today, the baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it in their slice of cake.  In some traditions, the finder of the baby is designated "king" or "queen" for the evening.  They are also responsible for purchasing next year's king cake or for throwing the next Mardi Gras party.