Traditionally King Cakes are oval-shaped to show unity of all Christians. The Mardi Gras season which begins on this "Twelfth Night" (January 6th) is expressed on King Cakes by using the carnival colors of green (faith), gold (power), and purple (justice).In the past a bean, pecan, pea, or coin was hidden inside each King Cake. Today, a tiny plastic baby is used. As a King Cake is cut, each person awaits anxiously for a piece to locate the "baby". The person who finds the baby is "King of the Party" and obligated to bring a King Cake to the next party.A fun Mardi Gras tradition that you can start at home, in your office, or classroom. King Cake season ends on Mardi Gras or March 5th ("Fat Tuesday"), the day before Lent begins.