Part 6/9:
The popularity of mincemeat pie faced a daunting challenge during the Puritan revolution. Under Oliver Cromwell’s leadership, Parliament banned Christmas celebrations, including the festive pies. Despite myths suggesting a lasting prohibition against mincemeat, there is no historical evidence to support these claims. Writers disguised their comments about the Puritans' disapproval of the pies, with social commentary peppered throughout the prose of the time.
Shapes and decorative motifs became significant; pies were often adorned with symbols, including stars, castles, and potentially even baby Jesus. The evolving imagery and presentation of these culinary creations reveal much about the socio-religious contexts of the time.