In medieval times people of England used to place symbolic objects like coins, rings and thimbles in the batter of the cake. It was believed that those who found coin in the cake would be wealthy while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. Wedding was signified for the person who found the slice of cake with ring. Even today some people follow the tradition and place small figures, fake coins and small candies inside the cake.
If the cake fell while baking it was considered to be a bad omen and signified bad luck for the person in the coming year.
Hi Merry, Your post reminds me of a birthday cake I had for my 8th birthday party. My mom wrapped little charms in foil and put them in the cake batter. Everyone received little prized in their slice of cake. I never realized the tradition behind it. Thanks for the memory.