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Dumb Cake Custom

Dumb Cake Custom


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Dumb Cake Custom

BAKING THE DUMB-CAKE At Hallowe en, St Johns Eve or other feasts, young women bake a cake in expectation of seeing their beloved : it must be done in total silence

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 596292

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10141360

1840 Bake Baking Beloved Cake Custom Dumb Expectation Feasts Halloween Silence Total


EDITORS COMMENTS
Baking the Dumb-Cake: A Silent Tradition of Love and Expectation This evocative image captures the essence of a centuries-old custom, the baking of the Dumb-Cake, as it was practiced in Britain during Hallowe'en, St. John's Eve, and other feast days. The young women in this photograph, circa 1840, are deeply engrossed in the silent ritual of preparing the cake, their faces reflecting a mixture of concentration, anticipation, and hope. The Dumb-Cake custom, also known as the Cock-Lap or Cock-Lob, originated from the belief that baking the cake in silence would ensure that the young women's beloveds would be drawn to them. The cake, often made with wheat flour, sugar, and eggs, was typically baked on a flat, ungreased surface, such as a baking sheet or the hearth. The women would not speak a word during the entire baking process, ensuring the cake's success and their beloved's attention. The tradition of baking the Dumb-Cake was deeply rooted in folklore and history, with similar customs found in various European cultures. The custom was believed to date back to ancient times, with references to it found in the works of Shakespeare and other literary greats. The silent baking ritual was a powerful reminder of the importance of patience, hope, and the desire for love and companionship. This photograph, taken from the extensive collection of Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a rare glimpse into the past, transporting us back in time to a world where traditions, superstitions, and the simple act of baking a cake held great significance. The image is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, hope, and the silent rituals that have shaped our collective history.

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