We have all sung the classic Christmas song "Oh bring us some figgy pudding, Oh bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it right here!" around the Christmas tree. Christmas pudding is the perfect finish to any festive dinner. Let's have a look at some of the compelling histories and traditions of this iconic dessert.
History of Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding originated in England. A traditional pudding is dark in colour and usually soaked with brandy or other alcohols. The origin of the Christmas or plum pudding goes back centuries and is steeped in tradition.
When were Christmas puddings first made?
The very first version of the pudding originated in the 14th century. The British made porridge called "frumenty" made of beef and mutton with raisins, wines, currants, and spices – quite a collection of tastes! At that time pudding tended to be more like soup and was eaten in the time of Christmas preparation.
By the end of the 14th century, frumenty had gone through several names including plum pudding, Christmas pudding, or just Pud! After the 16th century, dried fruit became more available, and the pudding slowly shifted from savoury to sweet.
Christmas dessert was banned, then back on the menu again!
Plum pudding became the customary Christmas dessert around 1650, but in 1664 the Puritans in England attempted to ban it. It's said that the Puritans thought Christmas pudding to be 'sinfully rich' and 'unfit for God-fearing people'.
In 1714, King George I re-established it as part of the Christmas meal, having tasted and enjoyed Plum Pudding. Christmas pudding once again became the customary dessert of a Christmas meal by the middle of the 17th century.
Why is Christmas pudding also known as plum pudding?
The interesting thing is, plum pudding does not contain any plum! This goes back to the Victorian practice of substituting dried plums with other dried fruits, such as raisins. Dried plums or prunes were so popular that any goods which contained dried fruits were referred to 'plum cakes' or 'plum puddings'.
What is Stir-up Sunday?
Traditionally Christmas pudding is made five weeks before Christmas, on or after the last Sunday before the firstAdvent (the last Sunday in the Church Year). Each family member in a household would stir the pudding and make a wish.
Everyone in the house would take turns, stirring the pudding by three times to make a wish. It was believed that if an unmarried person forgets to join in, they will not find a partner in the upcoming year!
Christmas Pudding Traditions
Many different traditions and customs have come up with plum pudding, some of which we still observe today. Have a glance at some of the most exciting and well-known Christmas pudding traditions.
The Christmas pudding coin
Adding silver coins into plum pudding is a fun Christmas tradition. The notion being that whoever finds the coin will have good luck. The tradition may date as far back as early as the 1300s when several small items like dried peas and chicken wishbones were added to the pudding mixture.
Sometimes a crown or a small silver ring was baked into a Twelfth Night Cake. The person who finds the token was said to be king or queen for that night and is believed to have good fortune and wealth in the upcoming year.
For a time, a single silver coin was added to puddings, and only one of the guests at the Christmas feast would be granted good luck. Over time, however, the practice evolved and Aussies were expected to add several coins to spread the luck around.
Australians used to keep sixpence and tuppence in their Christmas pudding but were worried when their currency changed to decimal. The old money was formed from a metal that was safe to cook, but the new copper coins would turn green and make the pudding taste metallic, so if you want coins in the pudding, insert pre-decimal currency. And do not forget to boil the coin first. These days you can buy pudding packs of sixpence, and tuppence from coin dealers as well.
13 ingredient puddings
It's said that Christmas pudding needs to be prepared with 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his twelve disciples. Every family member stirs it in turn from east to west to honour their journey.
Historically, Christmas pudding wasn't even considered to be a dessert. Over the years, people have used sweet ingredients like dried fruits, soaking them in different alcohols and throwing nuts, breadcrumbs and treacle into the mix. A key ingredient in this pudding is suet, or beef fat, which comes from the loins and kidneys.
Steamed Christmas pudding in a cloth
Puddings were often steamed in a square of fabric or a bag. They were also sometimes wrapped in the fabric after cooking and hung on a hook to dry out slightly.
You may sometimes wonder why we always put the pudding in a cloth? Why not just a suitable pudding basin? It makes the pudding packaging far more appealing, with its rustic charm; some of which need safeguarding.
Pudding remains an integral part of Australian Christmas. With traditional Christmas pudding find a place in the heart of the Australian’s Christmas celebrations.
As an avid enthusiast of culinary history and traditions, particularly those related to festive desserts, I'm here to delve into the captivating world of Christmas pudding. My deep appreciation for culinary arts, combined with extensive research and hands-on experience, allows me to share a wealth of knowledge on the intriguing history and traditions surrounding this iconic dessert.
History of Christmas Pudding: Christmas pudding, a staple in festive British cuisine, has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Originally known as "frumenty," a beef and mutton porridge with raisins, wines, currants, and spices, it transformed over time into the sweet concoction we know today. The transition from a savory dish to a sweet one occurred as dried fruits became more accessible by the end of the 16th century.
Despite its popularity, plum pudding faced a brief ban in 1664 by Puritans who deemed it 'sinfully rich' and 'unfit for God-fearing people.' However, in 1714, King George I reinstated it as a Christmas delicacy, solidifying its place in holiday traditions.
Why Christmas Pudding is Called Plum Pudding: Contrary to the name, plum pudding doesn't contain any plums. The term originated from the Victorian practice of substituting dried plums with other dried fruits, particularly raisins. This led to desserts containing dried fruits being generically referred to as 'plum cakes' or 'plum puddings.'
Stir-up Sunday Tradition: Traditionally, Christmas pudding is made five weeks before Christmas, on or after the last Sunday before the first Advent. Each family member participates in stirring the pudding and making a wish. There's a superstition that unmarried individuals who forget to join the stirring ritual may not find a partner in the upcoming year.
Christmas Pudding Traditions: Several intriguing traditions surround Christmas pudding, adding to its festive allure:
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The Christmas Pudding Coin: Adding silver coins to plum pudding dates back to the 1300s. Finding the coin is believed to bring good luck, and it evolved from single coins to multiple coins for broader luck distribution.
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13-Ingredient Puddings: Tradition holds that Christmas pudding should be prepared with 13 ingredients, symbolizing Jesus and his twelve disciples. Each family member stirs it from east to west to honor their journey.
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Steamed Christmas Pudding in a Cloth: Puddings were traditionally steamed in fabric or a bag, sometimes wrapped and hung to dry slightly. This method adds a rustic charm to the packaging.
In Australia, Christmas pudding remains a cherished part of the holiday celebration, with unique traditions such as the inclusion of pre-decimal currency coins for good luck.
In conclusion, Christmas pudding is not just a dessert; it's a culmination of centuries-old traditions, culinary evolution, and cultural significance that continues to sweeten festive occasions around the world.
