Tasty Layers Flint Michigan Cakes - History of Wedding Cakes

In many ancient cultures wheat was a symbol of fertility, as well as a bountiful
harvest - the essence of life itself. Records from early Roman weddings tell
stories of guests tossing grains of wheat at the bride and groom
in an effort to encourage fertility and prosperity.
(This is similar to the more recent tradition of tossing rice)

Guests began bringing wheat cakes to a wedding. They would break or
crumble the cakes over the bride and groom's head, symbolically "showering"
them with fortune and fertility. They would even scramble to eat the fallen
crumbs in order to share in the couple's good fortune.
Wheat was considered a gift from God -- essential for survival.
The offering of wheat wedding cakes were a blessing to the union.
The Ideal Gift!

By the Middle Ages, sweet buns or rolls had replaced the plain wheat cakes
but it was still customary for the guests to bring these to the wedding.
The buns were stacked in a tall mound between the bride and groom
and if they could reach each other (in order to kiss) over the top of the stack,
they would certainly be blessed with children and prosperity.

It is said that in the seventeenth century a French Pastry Chef added his
signature to this custom by frosting the "bun tower" with sugar. This meant
that the stack could retain its form, and it's believed to be
the first account of a frosted "tiered" cake.
Many believe it was the birth of the modern day wedding cake.

It’s only when refined flour and sugar became available in the eighteenth
century, that wedding cakes became dense fruitcakes.
They were baked well in advance and soaked in "spirits" to preserve them.

The preservation of the "top tier" became extremely important. This saved
cake was handled with great care, for superstition held that if the top tier
crumbled or broke apart before the first anniversary,
there would certainly be trouble in the marriage.

Wedding cakes are now just as beautiful and diverse as the individual bride.
Anything is possible and acceptable! Cake flavors such as chocolate, or
even red velvet are commonplace with a wide variety of filling flavors
that will certainly surprise and delight your guests.

The History of Wedding cakes
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