Oh, Bring Us a Figgy Pudding

by Sandra Merville Hart

We sing the familiar Christmas tune, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” every year. If those early carolers refused to leave until they received a serving, it must be delicious.

When did folks originally sing this song?

The song is believed to date back to England in the 1500s. Carolers sang to their neighbors with greetings of the season. They hoped wealthy citizens would give them a treat, such as figgy pudding, to thank them for singing to them.

The song, “Here We Come A-wassailing,” asked for a drink from rich neighbors’ wassail bowl, an invitation to warm themselves around the fire, and maybe a pork pie. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” specifically requests Figgie Pudding.

The tradition of making this dessert at Christmas has faded through the years, but it’s nice to learn the history behind it.

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

 

About Sandra Merville Hart

Award-winning author Sandra Merville Hart loves to uncover fascinating historical facts for her novels and stories. She was an editor and writer for DevoKids for several years and is now Executive Editor. She’s excited to be part of this fun, educational, and inspirational ministry for children.

 

Sources

 

“Warm Sticky Figgy Pudding,” Television Food Network GP, 2016/10/25

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/warm-sticky-figgy-pudding-recipe.html

 

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” Carols.org.uk, 2016/10/25

https://www.carols.org.uk/we_wish_you_a_merry_christmas.htm.

 

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” Wikipedia, 2016/10/25  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Wish_You_a_Merry_Christmas.