The final Sunday before Advent is known as 'Stir-up Sunday,' a tradition where families traditionally come together to prepare the Christmas pudding. Contrary to its name, the day isn't derived from the act of stirring the pudding but from the Book of Common Prayer. The Collect of the Day for the last Sunday before Advent begins with the words, "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people.".

Key Facts about Stir-up Sunday:

1. When is Stir-up Sunday?

• Stir-up Sunday falls on the last Sunday before Advent, which is the Sunday five weeks before Christmas.

2. Religious Origins:

• The name "Stir-up Sunday" comes from the Book of Common Prayer, used in Anglican churches, which includes a prayer for the Sunday before Advent that begins, "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people..."
• While the prayer is about spiritual readiness for the Advent season, it became associated with the act of "stirring up" ingredients for the Christmas pudding, symbolizing the start of festive preparations.

3. The Tradition of Christmas Pudding:

• Christmas Pudding (also known as plum pudding) is a rich, dense dessert made with dried fruits, suet, treacle or molasses, and various spices. It is traditionally prepared well in advance of Christmas to allow the flavors to mature.
• Families come together on Stir-up Sunday to prepare the pudding, with each member of the household taking turns to stir the mixture. This is typically done in an east-to-west direction, symbolizing the journey of the Three Wise Men to visit the infant Jesus.
• The mixture is stirred with a wooden spoon (symbolizing the manger) and each person makes a wish while stirring the pudding.

4. Customs and Symbolism:

• Coins and Charms: It was once common to hide a silver coin (traditionally a sixpence) in the pudding mixture. Whoever found the coin in their slice on Christmas Day was said to have good luck for the following year. Other charms that might be included were a ring (symbolizing marriage) or a thimble (for thriftiness).
• Spices and Fruits: The ingredients of Christmas pudding, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, are thought to represent the spices brought by the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The dried fruits used in the pudding also have a long history of association with feasts and celebrations.

5. How to Celebrate Stir-up Sunday:

• Gather Ingredients: Traditionally, families gather all the necessary ingredients before Stir-up Sunday. The pudding typically includes ingredients like raisins, currants, sultanas, suet, breadcrumbs, eggs, brown sugar, treacle or golden syrup, flour, spices, and alcohol (usually brandy or rum).
• Family Involvement: Stir-up Sunday is a family-oriented day, with everyone participating in the pudding-making process. The act of stirring the mixture, making wishes, and preparing together fosters a sense of togetherness and excitement for the holiday season.
• Prepare the Pudding: After mixing the ingredients and making the wishes, the pudding is placed into a pudding basin, covered, and steamed for several hours. The long steaming process helps to give the pudding its distinctive rich and moist texture.
• Storing the Pudding: Once prepared, the pudding is stored in a cool, dark place to mature. Many families will feed the pudding with additional alcohol, such as brandy, over the weeks leading up to Christmas to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.

6. Modern Adaptations:

• While the tradition of Christmas pudding remains strong, many families today may buy ready-made puddings rather than making their own. However, Stir-up Sunday has seen a revival in recent years, as many people are embracing the tradition as a fun way to begin their holiday preparations.
• Some may use vegetarian suet or even opt for lighter, modern versions of the pudding, incorporating different flavors or catering to dietary restrictions.
• Baking Classes and Events: Across the UK, cooking schools, bakeries, and community groups often host Stir-up Sunday events, teaching people how to make their own Christmas pudding. These events can bring people together and preserve the tradition for future generations.

7. Christmas Pudding on Christmas Day:

• After being steamed on Stir-up Sunday and matured over the weeks, the Christmas pudding is steamed again on Christmas Day and served as the grand finale to the holiday meal.
• A traditional way to serve Christmas pudding is to pour brandy over it and then set it alight in a dramatic presentation at the dining table.
• The pudding is often served with brandy butter, custard, or cream.

8. Reviving the Tradition:

• In recent years, there has been a push to revive the importance of Stir-up Sunday in British households. Television cooking shows, social media, and food writers often encourage people to embrace this traditional event as a way to connect with their culinary heritage and prepare for Christmas in a meaningful way.

9. Regional Variations:

• Although the Christmas pudding tradition is widespread throughout the UK, there are regional variations in the recipes. Some regions may add different dried fruits, spices, or types of alcohol. In some places, families may prepare multiple puddings, including smaller ones to give as gifts.
• In Scotland, for example, Clootie dumplings (a similar steamed fruit pudding) are also popular during the Christmas season, adding to the diversity of festive desserts in the UK.

Fun Facts:

• 13 Ingredients: Traditionally, Christmas pudding is said to include 13 ingredients, representing Jesus and his 12 disciples.
• Banned by Puritans: During the 17th century, Christmas pudding was banned by Puritans, who saw it as too indulgent and sinful. However, it was revived during the reign of King George I.
• A Royal Favorite: Christmas pudding was made popular by Queen Victoria and continues to be part of the royal family’s holiday traditions.

Conclusion:

Stir-up Sunday is a cherished British tradition that signals the beginning of Christmas preparations. Rooted in religious and culinary history, the day brings families together to create a beloved holiday dessert that symbolizes the spirit of Christmas. Whether following traditional recipes or experimenting with modern variations, the act of stirring the pudding on this day serves as a joyful reminder of the festive season to come. Stir-up Sunday continues to be an important part of British culture, with its emphasis on family, food, and celebration.