Christmas Pudding – We Almost Never Knew You!
Our beloved Christmas pudding became a customary Christmas dessert in the mid-17th century, but did you know we almost lost the opportunity to enjoy it for ourselves? Puritans in England attempted to permanently ban the humble Christmas pudding, citing that it was apparently “sinfully rich” and “unfit for God-fearing people”.
They wanted to shift Christmas from a “feast day” to a “fast day” instead (nooo)! It wasn’t until 1714, when King George (who clearly had great taste in desserts), re-established it as part of the Christmas meal.
The Twelfth Night
The twelfth night refers to the Christmas pudding that was eaten to celebrate the official end of Christmas celebrations (on the 12th night of Christmas). A dried pea or even a bean was baked into the pudding, but this evolved to be a silver token or coin instead (we prefer the latter, personally).
Stir-Up Sunday
During the Victorian era, a new tradition emerged. Christmas puddings were made on the Sunday beforeadvent, four to five weeks before Christmas. This day became commonly known as “Stir-up Sunday”. Everyone in the household gave the mixture a stir and made a wish while doing so.
A Touch of Silver
You’ll no doubt be familiar with the act of adding silver coins into Christmas pudding. This tradition came from the notion that whoever finds the coin in their pudding serve can keep the coin, AND has the added bonus of “good luck” for the new year ahead. Over time, what began with a single coin evolved to include several coins to share the luck around.
Variations on the currency of Christmas Pudding
Many variations of the silver coin token have been baked into Christmas puddings over the years, including:
- Silver crown: the person who finds the token in their serve of pudding was said to be king or queen for that night
- Horseshoe or Wishbone: it is believed the finder will have good luck for the coming year
- Silver thimble: thrift – the finder will have good fortune and wealth for the new year
- Anchor charm: safety and protection for the finder
- A ring: the finder will get married in the next year
The Currency of Christmas Pudding
The coin originally used was a penny, then a sixpence. When decimal currency was introduced in countries such as Australia, it had an unsavoury effect on this age-old tradition. The new minerals used in the production of the updated currency gave a metallic taste to puddings (and also turned the coin green once cooked).
Preparing a Silver Coin for Use in a Christmas Pudding
As mentioned above, most modern coins contain nickel and/or brass, which can react with the ingredients in the pudding. For those who want to honour this age-old tradition, we recommend using specially-made coin tokens that are safe for use. You can easily slip one (or more, at different angles) into your delicious pre-made pudding prior to serving and no one will ever know they weren’t baked in!
If you’d prefer to use your own silver coins instead, do so with caution and clean properly. Firstly, clean and sterilise each coin (the acid in cola will help restore the shine). Then immerse in a pan of boiling water for ten minutes and finally wrap the coins with baking or greaseproof paper.
Warning: whatever token you choose to include, ensure you warn your pudding eaters in advance to avoid anyone accidently biting off more than they can chew! It’s always safest to avoid any inclusion if there is any risk (or children) eating the pudding.
Finding the Perfect Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding really has come a long way! The Pudding Lady offers this must-have option on your Christmas table in a variety of sizes (and in gluten free and vegan options too). Feel free to explore the full range here. Our puddings are available in gift bags and hampers as gifts, in the traditional round mould or a signature log.
If you’re like us, it’s not just about the rich taste, but also about the incredible history and the timeless, memorable experiences that this pudding helps create with family and friends who come together to celebrate with it.
FAQs
The Christmas sixpence
A silver sixpence was placed into the pudding mix and every member of the household gave the mix a stir. Whoever found the sixpence in their own piece of the pudding on Christmas Day would see it as a sign that they would enjoy wealth and good luck in the year to come.
What is the tradition behind Christmas pudding? ›
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.
What is the quote about Christmas pudding? ›
The Christmas Pudding Today
In half a minute Mrs. Cratchit entered: flushed, but smiling proudly: with the pudding, like a speckled cannon-ball, so hard and firm, blazing in half of half-a-quartern of ignited brandy, and bedight with Christmas holly stuck into the top.
Why was the Christmas pudding banned during history? ›
By the mid-1600s, plum pudding was sufficiently associated with Christmas that when Oliver Cromwell came to power in 1647 he had it banned, along with Yule logs, carol-singing and nativity scenes. To Cromwell and his Puritan associates, such merry-making smacked of Druidic paganism and Roman Catholic idolatry.
What is the lucky coin in Christmas pudding? ›
Traditionally, a silver sixpence was stirred in to bring whoever found the coin on Christmas Day wealth and good luck in the year to come. This tradition dates back to what was known as 'Twelfth Night Cake', which was eaten during the Twelfth Night festivities.
Is it safe to put money in a Christmas pudding? ›
The Royal Mint sells souvenir silver sixpences that can be used in a pudding and silver charms are available on-line. Most modern coins contain nickel and/or brass, which can react with the ingredients in the pudding so we would suggest cleaning and wrapping the coins first.
Why do Christians eat Christmas pudding? ›
Religious significance
It is believed that a Christmas pudding must contain thirteen ingredients. These ingredients each represent Jesus and each of his twelve disciples. Traditionally, brandy is poured over the Christmas pudding and set aflame before serving. The flames are believed to represent Christ's passion.
What is Christmas pudding called in the USA? ›
However, “Christmas pudding” is specifically a “plum pudding” or spiced cake filled with dried fruits and generally seeped with some sort of alcohol (traditionally brandy) and often treacle (molasses). Americans not only have no Christmas Pudding, we have no “puddings” at all. We call them desserts!.
What is the superstition about Christmas pudding? ›
Superstitions say that Christmas pudding must be prepared with 13 ingredients, which are said to represent Jesus and his twelve disciples. It is also said that the mixture should be stirred in turn from east to west, by each family member, to honour the disciples' journey.
Why is Christmas pudding black? ›
The pudding is very dark, almost black in appearance due to the dark sugars and black treacle in most recipes, and its long cooking time. The mixture can be moistened with the juice of citrus fruits, brandy and other alcohol (some recipes call for dark beers such as mild, stout or porter).
It was believed it would bring good luck. In 1644 the Puritans tried to ban the pudding as they said it was 'sinfully rich' and 'unfit for God-fearing people'! In 1714 King George reestablished the pudding and it was enjoyed as a dessert for Christmas.
Why do people flame Christmas pudding? ›
Traditionally, these ingredients include: raisins, currants, suet, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, citron, lemon peel, orange peel, flour, mixed spices, eggs, milk and brandy. Brandy is also traditionally poured over the pudding and set alight. The flaming brandy is said to represent the passion of Christ.
Why do we put money in Christmas pudding? ›
Finding a Christmas coin in your slice of pudding is believed to bring good luck and especially wealth in the coming year.
Is it still illegal to eat Christmas pudding on Christmas Day? ›
In the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas pudding, mince pies and anything to do with gluttony. The law has never been rescinded”. Ferret Fact Service looked into this claim and found it False.
What is traditionally hidden in a Christmas pudding? ›
Traditionally a silver coin (six pence) was hidden inside the Christmas Pudding. The silver coin brought good fortune to whomever was lucky enough to find it when the pudding was cut. The lights are turned off so people can see the flames. Christmas Pudding is served with custard or brandy sauce.
What do you put in a Christmas pudding for good luck? ›
A Touch of Silver
You'll no doubt be familiar with the act of adding silver coins into Christmas pudding. This tradition came from the notion that whoever finds the coin in their pudding serve can keep the coin, AND has the added bonus of “good luck” for the new year ahead.
What is the gold coin in Christmas pudding? ›
Finding a Christmas coin in your slice of pudding is believed to bring good luck and especially wealth in the coming year. This lovely tradition may date back as early as the 1300s when a dried pea or sometimes a small silver ring or crown was baked into a Twelfth Night Cake.
Why do we have chocolate money at Christmas? ›
History. As a Christmas tradition, chocolate coin giving is said to be inspired by the deeds of Saint Nicholas in the fourth century, with chocolate coins introduced some time after chocolate's introduction into Europe in the sixteenth century.
