Christmas is approaching which means only one thing…. Alcohol? Parties? Well yes of course, but surprisingly, on this occasion it means Stir-up Sunday. So, next Sunday, 26 November 2023 make sure you’re prepared to make the best Christmas Pudding ever.
What is Stir-up Sunday?
It is a tradition that goes back to Victorian times when the family would gather together to stir the Christmas pudding five weeks before Christmas.
The opening words of the Book Of Common Prayer, used on the last Sunday before Advent, reads: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people,” The tradition stands that this is the day to “get stirring”.
What are the Stir-up Sunday traditions?
Christmas pudding would traditionally contain 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his disciples.
It is traditionally stirred (while making a wish) by each member of the family from East to West, to remember the Wise Men that visited Jesus in the Nativity Story.
The customary garnish of holly represented the crown of thorns.
Adding coins. The originally charms, added to the pudding was said to bring luck if you found them in your portion on Christmas Day. Very much like the La Galette des Rois in France to celebrate the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Wise men (Magi)
The traditional lucky charms were a silver coin for wealth, a wishbone for luck, a thimble for thrift, a ring for marriage and an anchor for safe harbour.
In the Middle Ages, a Christmas porridge called Frumenty was popular and may be a savory ancestor of the Christmas pudding.
The recipe evolved over the years into plum pudding, containing dried fruits, eggs, breadcrumbs, and beers or spirits to increase its shelf life.
In the 19th century, Prince Albert declared his love and suddenly it became very fashionable:- it was at this time that it became a permanent fixture at Christmas.
The best Christmas Pudding ever?
IRIS BIGGS CHRISTMAS PUDDING A recipe, named after the Lady who gave Sheila the recipe many years ago. It is full of the usual dried fruits, but the addition of Prunes and apricots, makes a real difference to the flavour.
Steeping the fruit for 2 days in a generous measure of alcohol also helps! . Try this and you will never buy a supermarket Christmas Pudding again.
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