It is one of the most traditional elements of the classic Christmas dinner. It was referred to as plum pudding until the mid-19th century. These days most people buy theirs ready-made from supermarkets. It only takes a few minutes to cook in the microwave. Here are some facts about the history of the Christmas pudding you may want to think about as you are tucking in on Christmas Day.
Medieval England
The first records of plum puddings date to the early 15th century, when “plum pottage,” a savoury concoction heavy on the meat and root vegetables, was served at the start of a meal.
The “plum” in plum pudding was a generic term for any dried fruit—most commonly raisins and currants and prunes.
17th Century
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. In 1660 monarchy was restored and Christmas was once again celebrated alongside plum pudding’s place at the Christmas feast.
18th Century
As plum pudding, it became widespread as a feast dish, not necessarily associated with Christmas, and usually served with beef. It makes numerous appearances in 18th century satire as a symbol of Britishness.
19th Century
The Victorian era brought many Christmas traditions we follow today. This is also true of the plum pudding which became more associated with Christmas. In 1845, Eliza Acton’s book Modern Cookery for Private Families she refers to it as Christmas Pudding. Also the tradition of ‘Stir-Up Sunday’ on the 5th Sunday before Christmas began. Family members take turns stirring up the Christmas pudding-to-be, which was then wrapped and boiled and set aside to mature until Christmas Day.
The Christmas Pudding we recognise today has not fundamentally changed since the 19th Century. The process of making it has changed during this time with the production of food becoming mechanised and the hard work done for us. What hasn’t changed is the joy which the Christmas Pudding brings on Christmas Day when it is brought out and everyone eats this dark, rich yearly treat. Maybe this year remember you are following in the centuries old tradition of your ancestors.
Thanks to https://www.history.com/news/the-holiday-history-of-christmas-pudding
