1909 Antique Christmas Postcard published by B.W., no. 370
The mother on this antique postcard is making the traditional dessert served on Christmas Day, Christmas Pudding or Plum Pudding. It is a dark, steamed pudding, with sweet spices, dried fruit and nuts, and usually made with suet that originated in England. This pudding is definitely not for those on a diet.
History of Christmas Pudding
Christmas Pudding can be traced back to the 1420s. Back then, it was not a confection or dessert, but a way to preserve meat (dried fruits acted as the preservative). I wonder how long this preservation method lasted.
The ancestor of the modern pudding was the pottage, a meat and vegetable concoction. During Queen Elizabeth 1′s reign, plums were added (a popular ingredient). As the sweet content of the Plum Pottage increased, it became increasingly known as Plum Pudding. Around the 1830′s, it became more and more linked with Christmas.
Christmas Pudding Traditions
Traditionally, Plum Puddings were made four to five weeks prior to Christmas (usually the last Sunday before Advent) as they needed to age in the traditional pudding cloth. The household members (at least the children, see pictured antique postcard) took turns making a wish while stirring the concoction. This is why the day became known as Stir-up Sunday.
Tokens (initially a silver coin) were included in the pudding. Whomever’s serving included it, kept the token.
The Christmas Pudding is ceremoniously brought to the table after being doused in brandy and flamed. It was greeted with applause.
This Week’s Bit of Ephemera Trivia:
The Plum Pudding was originally eaten at the Harvest Festival, not Christmas.
Note: Marie over at The French Factrice blog is hosting Postcard Friendship Fridays. Hop on over to Marie’s and check out all the postcard enthusiasts sharing this week.
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Plum pudding is so festive. I made one once. It was quite good, but I was a little put off by the suet.
Hi Christine,
Yes, I was too after reading that was one of the ingredients was suet. I kept seeing bird seed in my mind.
Happy Holidays!
Wonderful card and post. Now I’m hungry and want something sweet! Happy PFF
I’ve never tried Plum Pudding but have often heard of it. Your post had some interesting historical details and an even more interesting list of ingredients.
Thanks for Sharing!
I just finished reading your post on the christmas stamps. Nice. I should’ve remembered the sleigh one, but didn’t.
This is beautiful !!
Love reading this post !!
That’s interesting. They must have been really popular to have a day named “Stir-up Sunday.”
WOW… I wish I could start Christmas dinner 4 or 5 weeks ahead of time… Great history TFS
PFF
That Lizzy I sure had a sweet tooth! Fascinating post! I’ve never had a plum pudding. I’ll have to try making it one of these days:)
a great post! i just LOVE xmas pudding (the vegetarian variety with vegetable suet, not animal suet…) – difficult to find in italy where i live though!
I’ve always heard of plum pudding, but did not know the history. Lovely post–wonderful postcard!
Happy PFF!
I’ve never tried this special Christmas dish. I wonder if it tastes anything like mincemeat pie. I always liked that.
Interesting info. I heard bits about plum pudding, and puddings in general from my English husband. Now I’ll ask him how to make one for Christmas… thanks for sharing. Happy PFF.
Postcards Crossing
I’ll pass on the Christmas pudding, but not on wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy (belated) PFF!
Hi Mary. Merry Christmas to you too! Stay warm.