almond present

{{Short description|Marzipan pig, part of danish Christmas tradition}}

Image:Marcipangris.jpg, an example of a typical "almond present"]]

An almond present ({{langx|da|mandelgave}}, {{langx|nb|mandelgave}}, {{langx|nn|mandelgåve}}, {{langx|is|möndlugjöf}}, {{langx|sv|mandelgåva}}) is a small present traditionally given in some Nordic countries to the person who gets the whole almond put in the rice pudding served for Christmas. It is a common Scandinavian tradition for many families, and especially for families with children.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2018/12/a-delicious-lasting-tradition/ |title=A delicious, lasting tradition |last=Andersen |first=James |date=2018-12-07 |website=The Alpena News |access-date=2018-12-19}}

In Denmark, this tradition has been known since the 16th century. The custom with the almond in the porridge has similarities to the king cake custom of Epiphany at the end of the Christmas season.{{cite web |title=Mandelgave |url=http://www.biblioteksvagten.dk/videnbase_svar.asp?qaid=15561 |date=22 August 2007 |publisher=Biblioteksvagten.dk |language=Danish |accessdate=24 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222182309/http://www.biblioteksvagten.dk/videnbase_svar.asp?qaid=15561 |archive-date=2007-12-22 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url= https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/food-matters/three-men-and-a-baby-a-brief-history-of-king-cakes/

|title = A Brief History of King Cakes|website= scientificamerican.com|access-date=December 1, 2019}}