Dickens adored plum pudding, a traditional Victorian holiday dessert. He referenced it frequently in letters and festive anecdotes. The rich, spiced dish became a symbol of Christmas cheer in England, reinforced by his writing. Victorian households followed these culinary cues, blending literature with culinary tradition. Dickens’ fondness reflected his desire to celebrate family, community, and festivity. The dessert often appeared alongside his ghostly Christmas tales, enhancing atmosphere and sensory experience. His promotion of traditional foods helped cement seasonal customs in popular culture. Plum pudding, much like his stories, became an enduring icon of Victorian holiday celebration.
Dickens’ love of food demonstrates how literature can influence culture beyond print.
It highlights the interplay between lifestyle, storytelling, and tradition in Victorian society.
Did you know Dickens’ handwritten Christmas letters often included recipes for plum pudding?
[National Geographic, nationalgeographic.com]