History and Traditions Behind Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding originated in England. The origin of the Christmas or plum pudding goes back centuries and is steeped in tradition.

Christmas pudding originated in the 14th century. The British made porridge called "frumenty" made of mutton and beef with raisins, currants, wines, and spices. After the 16th century, dried fruit became more available, and the pudding slowly shifted from savory to sweet.

Traditionally, Christmas pudding is made five weeks before Christmas. Each family member stirs the pudding and makes a wish. Everyone in the house would take turns, stirring the pudding by three times to make a wish. It was believed if an unmarried person forgets to join in, they will not find a partner in the upcoming year!

Goes back to the Victorian practice of substituting dried plums with other dried fruits, like raisins. Dried plums or prunes were so popular that any goods which contained dried fruits were referred to 'plum cakes' or 'plum puddings'.

Many different traditions have come up with plum pudding. Have a look at some of the most exciting and well-known Christmas pudding traditions.

It's said that Christmas pudding needs to be prepared with 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his twelve disciples. People have used sweet ingredients like dried fruits, soaking them in different alcohols and throwing nuts, breadcrumbs into the mix.

Puddings were often steamed in a square of fabric or a bag. They were also sometimes wrapped in the fabric after cooking. Seating the pudding in a cloth makes the packaging far more appealing, with its rustic charm; some of which need safeguarding.

Isn't all the traditions and histories seems interesting? Pudding remains an integral part of Australian Christmas. With traditional Christmas pudding find a place in the heart of the Australian’s Christmas celebrations.