Here's what we're wondering about:
STIR-UP SUNDAY
WHO: anybody who likes treats, traditions, and kitchen fun!
WHAT:
- making a Christmas Pudding (dessert!)
- thinking about symbols and the life of Jesus
- taking turns making a wish
- making memories!
WHERE: in your kitchen, and in kitchens around the world (the tradition began in Victorian England; some people think the recipe may have started in Germany)
WHY: in response to this Collect from the 1549 Book of Common Prayer:
"Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
WHEN: about 5 weeks before Christmas, on the Sunday before the first Sunday of Advent - on the Last Sunday After Pentecost: Christ the King Sunday. So the date changes a little every year. This year, it's 11/22/2020. Plus, if you're making a traditional Pudding, steeped in alcohol, it needs to rest for several weeks for the flavor to mature (it'll keep for months - maybe even years!)
HOW:
- You put all the ingredients in a big bowl (sometimes 13 ingredients, representing Jesus & the 12 disciples)
- You take turns stirring it clockwise - from East to West - representing the journey of the Wise Men to see Baby Jesus
- You make a wish while you stir (but keep it a secret!)
- Some people drop in a coin or objects, which will be baked in, and be found by a cautious and lucky diner. Traditional lucky charms could include: a silver coin = wealth, a wishbone = good luck, a thimble = good homemaking, a ring = love/marriage, and an anchor = safety. Just be careful for your teeth!
- The whole thing is decorated before serving with a sprig of holly (watch out, real holly is poisonous, yikes) - to represent health & Jesus' Crown of Thorns
- And if you pour hot brandy on it and set it on fire (!!!), that represents the love that Jesus has for us and His power
