Why Do We Eat Mince Pies at Christmas?

Just like Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies were not made from the fruit mix that we associate with them today. They were originally filled with meat, such as lamb and were shaped as an oval to represent the Baby Jesus’ manger, with the top of the pie representing his swaddling clothes.

Although nowadays mince pies are a regular part of our family Christmases, back in 18th and early 19th century mince pies were considered to be a status symbol.

If you could afford to employ the best cooks who would make your mince pies in different shapes such as stars, hearts and flowers and often copied the style of the popular ‘knot gardens’ you were considered to be a very wealthy and influential person

Today our mince pies are usually round shaped and eaten both hot (often with cream or ice cream) or cold with a cup of tea or coffee (or sometimes a glass of our favourite tipple).

According to a custom from the middle ages if you eat a mince pie on every day from Christmas to Twelfth Night (6th January) you will have happiness for the next 12 months!

It has become something of a tradition in the UK for children to leave a mince pie and a glass of milk for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph on Christmas Eve.

Hot or Cold – How do your family eat their mince pies?  Get in touch below and let us know.