It is widely accepted that fruit cake originated in ancient Rome
where it was used for military purposes to sustain troops on long
campaigns.
In ancient Egypt, fruit cake was considered an essential food for the
afterlife, demonstrating both wealth and respect.
In the 18th century, eating fruit cake made the previous year was
thought to bring good luck to for the upcoming year. By the turn
of the century in Victorian England, fruit cake peaked in popularity
and was the quintessential part of high tea.
Eventually fruit cake became associated with celebrations such as
Christmas, Easter and weddings. Christmas cake in particular is
synonymous with Christmas in many parts of the world and is a
tradition that is shared with family and friends throughout the
holiday period...
