‘Barmbrack’, ‘barnbrack’, ‘bairín breac’ – whatever the spelling, let us celebrate the wonders of the spooky fruit bread.
If you’re sat here thinking, “what do you mean what did I get in the barmbrack?”, please allow me to explain.
Traditionally, various items are hidden throughout the cake which supposedly predict your ‘fortune’ for the coming year.
Each item is supposed to carry a message for those concerned – to find a pea means you won’t marry over the next year, a small piece of cloth foretells poverty, a ring means one would be wed within the year, a matchstick warns of an unhappy marriage and a coin represents great wealth.
While nowadays, it is unusual to find a barmbrack that contains all of the objects listed, the ring remains an ever popular addition in commercially produced cake.
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