National Plum Pudding Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag
National Plum Pudding Day can be fun.


Where is National Plum Pudding Day celebrated?

National Plum Pudding Day is celebrated in the U.S. It is also a holiday food in Britain.

Who is National Plum Pudding Day celebrated by?

The day is celebrated by people who love the dish.

When did National Plum Pudding Day first start?

There are no records of when this day started to honor the mouthwatering treat.

Who started National Plum Pudding Day?

The founder of this day remains unknown.

History And Timeline

As we all know, the holiday season is all about celebrations and traditions. So let's celebrate some historical facts about plum puddings.

Referring To Dried Fruits As Plums

Since the plum fruit had gained raging popularity, every dried fruit, especially raisins, was used as a plum substitute.

1600s

Publishing Of The Earliest Recipe

The recipe for the plum pudding was published in a book by Mary Kettilby.

1714

Becoming A Part Of Christmas Ritual

People began to consider plum pie as an integral part of the festival of Noel.

1830

Coining Of The Term 'Christmas Pudding'

The term 'Christmas pudding' was first used in an Anthony Trollope novel

1858

Christmas Pudding Recipe Changed

The pudding is prepared by steaming and is left to mend for about four weeks.

19th century

Traditions And Customs

First and foremost, the delicious dessert, also known as plum pudding, is to be prepared.

However, a grand plum pudding preparation begins four to six weeks before the day in many households.

With a lot of time in hand to spare because of the holiday season and patience, use dried fruits like apples, cherries, and strawberries, candied fruits to make the plum, and top it with nuts; you can make the sweet pudding sauce and keep it in the fridge.

This results in flavors seeping in and melding together for a more flavorsome Christmas dinner.

For a companion, it is often enjoyed with a glass of steaming hot cocoa.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Plum Pudding Day

An interesting way to observe the day is to abide by traditions that have been in existence since time immemorial. The pudding includes cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, and other ingredients. A fun custom is also observed that all household members should hold the wooden spoon together to stir the batter during the pudding preparation and make a wish.

Then silver coins are added in the batter, and there is a saying that whoever finds it while devouring the pudding is the one with good fortune coming their way.

In many communities, plum pudding contests are held too, and the one pudding with the best concoction of cinnamon, nuts, raisins, nutmeg, and apples giving out the most interesting flavor wins the prize.

So you can try different recipes of plum pudding and have a lovely time sharing it with everyone around.

Facts And Stats

  • You can store the pudding you make on this day as plum puddings can be stored for one year if prepared perfectly.
  • Even though this dessert is popular as a holiday food in the United Kingdom, many families and plum pudding lovers in the U.S. and other countries across the world celebrate it with equal enthusiasm.
  • This day is perfect for celebrating with the entire family as the pudding is stirred with the wooden spoon by each family member from east to west as an ode to the journey of Wise Men who came to see Jesus Christ.

What is the tradition of plum pudding?

There are many traditions related to plum pudding. One such tradition followed in Victorian England was 'Stir Up Sunday' that included stirring the mix with a wooden spoon by family members. Another popular tradition is finding a coin in Christmas pudding while relishing it with loved ones.

When is National Plum Pudding Day?

The day falls on February 12 every year.

What is the significance of National Plum Pudding Day?

The day celebrates the dessert with a long history and tradition.

How do people celebrate National Plum Pudding Day?

The day can be celebrated by whipping up different recipes of plum pudding and observing these traditions with family and friends.

Who invented plum pudding and when?

There is no clear history about who invented the dessert, but the history can be traced back to at least the 14th century.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, February 12, 2020
  • Friday, February 12, 2021
  • Saturday, February 12, 2022
  • Sunday, February 12, 2023
  • Monday, February 12, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag

Master of Arts specializing in History

Sudeshna Nag picture

Sudeshna NagMaster of Arts specializing in History

Having earned a Master's degree in History from the Presidency University in Kolkata, Sudeshna was able to refine these skills and broaden her knowledge base. Not only is she an accomplished fact-checker, but she is also deeply invested in gender research, societal interactions, and mental health. Her professional repertoire also includes experience in translation between Bengali and English content

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