On this twentieth day of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, host Steve Webb and James Cooper dive into the delicious and surprising history of figgy pudding and mince pies.

The Evolution of a Festive Favorite

Today behind the door, Steve and James explore the culinary traditions that define a British Christmas dinner. While we often think of Christmas pudding as a sweet cake, James explains that it actually began as a medieval porridge called frumenty. This early version was a savory soup made from beef or mutton, raisins, and spices, often eaten as a fasting meal during the Advent season.

By the late 16th century, the recipe shifted away from meat, incorporating eggs, breadcrumbs, and plenty of spirits to enhance the flavor. However, the tradition faced a major hurdle in 1664 when the Puritans banned it, along with many other Christmas celebrations, viewing it as a “bad custom.” Thankfully, King George I re-established the pudding as a staple of the holiday meal in 1714, leading to the version we recognize today.

Stir-Up Sunday and Mince Pie Luck

A particularly charming tradition discussed is Stir-Up Sunday, which occurs the Sunday before Advent. Families gather to stir the pudding mixture from east to west in honor of the Wise Men. Adding a silver sixpence to the bowl brings luck to whoever finds it in their portion, provided they don’t break a tooth! We also learn about the history of mince pies, which were originally oval-shaped to represent the manger of Jesus and were once filled with actual meat.

Whether you like your mince pies hot with ice cream or enjoy the spectacular display of a brandy-soaked pudding set alight, these treats are central to the holiday spirit. You can find more fascinating details about these customs at WhyChristmas.com. For more episodes and advent inspiration, visit Lifespring Media.

The theme music for our journey is provided by Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band. Our background music today features Jerome Wilson with a festive rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Entities: Steve Webb, James Cooper, WhyChristmas.com, Bryan Duncan, NehoSoul Band, Jerome Wilson, Stir-Up Sunday, Advent.

Content Importance Summary

This episode serves as a reminder that many of our most beloved holiday traditions have deep, often surprising historical roots. By understanding the history of Christmas pudding and the symbolism behind our food, we can appreciate the rich heritage that connects us to generations past during the Advent season.

Thanks for joining us for Day 20. I am Steve Webb, and I hope to see you back here tomorrow as we draw even closer to Christmas Day!