Figgy Pudding

We are all familiar with the old Christmas carol.…. ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’

But when it came to the lyrics “Oh bring us the figgy pudding” I found there is more to know about figgy pudding than I thought.  Here is some interesting trivia…    

Figgy pudding dates back to early 16^th century England. The recipe consisted of figs, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, rum, apple, lemon, orange peel, nuts, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.  It is best to let the ingredients soak for 4-5 weeks and then to steam for 6-8 hours.  (You won’t find this on my Christmas table)

Tradition has it, that there is a religious significance to this special pudding.

~The recipe has 13 ingredients, which represents Christ and His 12 Apostles.

~The strict rules for mixing the batter include a wooden spoon and stirring from East to West, which represents the three wise men who traveled from the East to see the Christ Child in Bethlehem.

~Tradition also states that every member of the family take a turn in stirring the mixture to incorporate the experience to the entire family.

~Lastly, a sprig of Holly is placed on the top of the pudding after steaming.  Brandy is then sprinkled all over the heavenly pudding and it is lit on fire, thus symbolizing the passion of Christ and the Holly sprig the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head.            

Whether you embrace the symbolism or just want to eat the pudding…..Remember what Tiny Tim said…”God Bless Us Everyone”