It’s Stir-Up Sunday, and if you’re doing a pud today and nervous about how it will turn out, perhaps all you need is a charm…
The tradition of gathering together to all have a stir of the pudding is said to have been brought to Britain by Prince Albert. A coin was dropped in before everyone took a turn at mixing and the person who unearthed the coin on Christmas day would be blessed with good fortune in the year to come, apparently.
And charms were agreed to be so charming they soon moved on from simple thrupenny bits and sixpences to include more items, each said to have a different meaning. You can buy sets of pudding charms still, or fashion your own from things you have about the house. Here are a few charms and their meanings.
Coin
Coming into money
Thimble
If a single woman finds it they’ll remain single another year
Button
If found by a single man he’ll remain a bachelor
Horseshoe
Good luck
Ring/bell
A wedding is on the cards
Wishbone
A wish will be granted
Anchor
They will have a safe year, protected from danger
Don’t forget to clean your charms first (cleaning them in Coca Cola is recommended) and then sterilise them in boiling water for 10 minutes. And warn your recipients that there may be a charm in their pud, otherwise there may be bad fortune, and possibly a trip to the dentist on the horizon for them instead.
Read more about Christmas puddings in our bumper Misceallany in the December issue, in shops and on sale in our online shop now.
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