Why do you eat pies at Christmas?

Answer 1

Centuries ago the mince pie would have been a large dish filled with various meats such as chicken, partridge, pigeon, hare, capon, pheasant, rabbits, ox or lamb tongue, livers of the animals, and mutton meat mixed with fruits, peels and sugar. It was originally known as a Christmas Pye. The oblong or square shape was said to resemble Jesus' cradle. A small doll made from pastry was placed on the top in the centre of the pie where the hollow indentation would be. These were known as Crib Pies.

During the Medieval Crusades the Crusaders returned to the UK with spices and these were gradually added to mince pies until over the years meat was fully replaced by the spices. At around this time it was thought that the shape changed from oblong to round and the size made smaller.

During the reign of Oliver Cromwell they were banned along with other Christian traditions and acts. When they were reintroduced to Britain their size was again reduced, to the size as they are today, so that they could be served individually, especially to guests. They were named Wayfarer Pies.

By Lauren HUmphrey

Thanks Miss Scatley (History Teacher) x

Answer 2

The pie is a symbol of the crib, where the baby Jesus was laid. The mincemeat is the bitter/sweetness, representing His life. Sweetness because he came to save the world, bitterness because He had to die for our sins.

Answer 3

Because they are there.

There's no deep spiritual or other significance to the eating of pies at Christmas. It's a holiday, a time for family gatherings, and when people get together they often like to eat. And when they, they often like dessert. And often that dessert is a pie (or cobbler, which is kind of the lazy cook's version of pie).

Answer 4

to symbolise jesuses cradle