Stir-Up Sunday: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Stir-Up Sunday (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Stir-Up Sunday is observed on November 20th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Stir-Up Sunday, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you ought to know about Stir-Up Sunday.

📅 What day is Stir-Up Sunday 2024?

In 2024, Stir-Up Sunday is on Monday, November 20th. It is the 3rd Monday in November; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about November 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

In my own words: Stir-Up Sunday, which falls on November 21st this year, has become a time for families to come together and bake delicious Christmas puddings. However, its original purpose was not related to cooking. This day holds religious significance for Christians as it is the Sunday before Christmas, and they observe it with special Bible readings. Since the Victorian era, it has also been a day for families to celebrate and cook together. Traditionally, family members would mix the pudding and make wishes for the upcoming year. Apart from strengthening family bonds, Stir-Up Sunday also offers an opportunity to plan ahead and cross one item off the Christmas to-do list: making the pudding.

📜 Stir-Up Sunday History

In the 1300s, the first Christmas puddings were made. Originally called “frumenty,” they were a soupy mixture of beef, mutton, spices, wine, and dried fruits. People would have frumenty as their last meal before fasting for Advent events. Over time, frumenty evolved into a plum pudding, with the addition of breadcrumbs, eggs, dried fruit, and spirits. It became a popular dish at Christmas banquets around 1650 but was later deemed unholy by Puritans. In 1714, George I reintroduced plum pudding, and it became a staple of Victorian Christmas celebrations. The tradition of stirring up the pudding originated in Victorian times, with families making a wish for the new year with each turn of the spoon. Today, Christmas pudding is similar to plum pudding, and Stir-Up Sunday, while having religious origins, is mostly a fun time for families to make a Christmas dinner together.

✅ Stir-Up Sunday Facts

🔖 It’s not called ‘stir-up’ because of cooking
The origin of the term “stir-up” can be traced back to the opening lines of a prayer in the Book of Common Prayer (1549). These lines begin with the plea, “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord…”

🔖 Puddings traditionally include 13 ingredients
A traditional Christmas pudding typically consists of 13 elements, symbolizing Jesus and his 12 followers.

🔖 The lucky stir has a prescribed direction
Historically, on Sundays, families would stir up the pudding from east to west as a way to pay homage to the wise men who journeyed to see the baby Jesus.

👍 Why Is Stir-Up Sunday Important

Who doesn’t like a traditional Christmas pudding? Because today is a day for experimenting with recipes, feel free to taste-test the puddings at your leisure. We believe you did something wrong if you aren’t full of pudding and enthusiastic for the holiday by the conclusion of Stir-Up Sunday!

Stir-Up Sunday eliminates the need to gather the entire family for Christmas dinner. While Christmas might be formal and stuffy, getting together in the kitchen to bake a pudding is not! Enjoy a simple holiday with family before the Christmas stress begins.

Stir-Up Sunday has been around for a long time. It truly began in Victorian times, with each family member present stirring the pudding and making a new year’s wish. Plus, it’s one more Christmas to-do thing checked off the list!

🙂 How To Observe Stir-Up Sunday

⚡ Learn the history of Stir-Up Sunday
It may come as a surprise that Stir-Up Sunday, which is now associated with making pudding, didn’t always have culinary significance. This day has transformed over time, transitioning from a religious holiday to a cherished family tradition centered around cooking. Learn more about the fascinating evolution of Stir-Up Sunday!

⚡ Gather with family
Although Christmas pudding is traditionally prepared on this day, it is important to remember that the most important aspect is spending time with your loved ones. Take this opportunity to gather your favorite family members or friends and spend the day together in the kitchen, celebrating the holiday spirit and cherishing your friendship.

⚡ Make some pudding!
Even though Christmas might feel distant, pudding can be stored in the fridge and is ideally prepared on the day itself. Today is the perfect opportunity to dig up Grandma’s classic recipe or come up with your own unique version to impress the family come Christmas.

📅 When is Stir-Up Sunday?

See all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Christian holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Stir-Up Sunday. So be sure to check back soon.