Pepper Pot Day
About Pepper Pot Day
When is Pepper Pot Day? This holiday is always observed on December 29
Pepper Pot Day is today. This December 29 holiday. It commemorates the creation of this thick spicy soup, which was served to the Continental Army during the cold, harsh winter of 1777-1778. Pepper Pot soup, also spelled “Pepperpot”, was first made on December 29, 1777. The soup is popular in Pennsylvania where it is called Philadelphia Pepper Pot soup. It is also a popular dish in the south. This soup has roots in Guyana, where it is also popular.
According to the legend………..
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental army camped at Valley Forge. The winter was cold and harsh. Conditions were deplorable. Often, food was scarce. George Washington asked his army’s chef to prepare a meal for the army that would both warm them and boost their morale. The chef found scraps of tripe, small bits of meat, and some peppercorn. He mixed this in with some other spices and ingredients, and created Pepper Pot soup, also known as “Philadelphia Pepper Pot soup”. The hot and somewhat spicy soup was well received by the troops. It was called “the soup that won the war”.
Celebrate Pepper Pot Day by making some Pepper Pot soup for the family. Note: while tripe was the main ingredient of this soup, you can substitute it with chicken, pig, or beef.
A Different Pepper Pot Origin
Pepper pot has another, much older origin. However, as a result of our research, we believe it is uncertain if the pepper pot first made for Continental Army soldiers has roots in Guyana.
In Guyana and parts of the Caribbean enjoy this unique and tasty stew. Originating in Guyana, it is considered a national dish. Pepper pot stew was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans. Later, it became popular among slave communities in the United States.
The Guyana version of pepper pot stew consists of tender meats, vegetables, hot peppers, and a variety of spices, including cinnamon and cloves.
How to Celebrate Pepper Pot Day
The only way to celebrate this holiday is to have a bowl of this soup. Unfortunately, it is unlikely you will find Philadelphia Pepper Pot soup on a restaurant menu. So, we suggest you look up a recipe in your cookbook, or online. Then, make it at home.
Today's Quotes
“An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup.” – – H.L. Mencken
History and Origin of Pepper Pot Day
This warm and hearty day dates back to when it was first made to serve the Continental Army on December 29, 1777. We do not know when it first was celebrated as a special day, or who started this tradition. However, it certainly is a day that will warm you up!
Our first research of this day in the early 2000s, and follow-up research in the early 2020s, found no congressional records or presidential proclamations proclaiming this to be a true “National” day. Hence, we do not include the word “National” in the title.
Definition of “National” Days – Find out why it is important to distinguish true national days.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- Retired sea captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan establishes the first Young Men’s Christian Assocation in Boston, MA. He models it after George William’s YMCA in London, England. (1851)
- The bowling ball is invented. (1862)
- Ted Danson, actor, TV series “Cheers” was born on this day in 1947.
More December 29 Holidays
In addition to Pepper Pot Day, here is another December 29 holiday you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date.
Famous December Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: Deviled Eggs
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for Pepper Pot Day or just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Therefore, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to Pepper Pot Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.
