"On this day, of the year, long before you were born, this heap of decay," stabing with her crutched stick at the pile of cobwebs on the table but not touching it, "was brought here. It and I have worn away together. The mice have gnawed at it, and sharper teeth than teeth of mice have gnawed at me."
- Miss Havisham talking about her wedding cake (Dickens, C. (1986) Great Expectations (page 86-chapter 11), Marshall Cavendish Partworks Ltd, 58 Old Compton Street, London WIV 5PA)
Table with the wedding cake with Miss Havisham (Helena Bonham Carter)
Great Expectations - scene from the film
(2012)
(source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/331155378823295169/)
Miss Havisham's wedding cake is, I'd say, a reflection of her, as it decays with her. Once a beautiful tasty wedding cake - now is a mouldy, old, smelly centerpiece on the big table. The similar description goes for Miss Havisham, her being the centerpiece of the Satis house.
That is why I decided to do some further research about Victorian; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert wedding cake but also the history and meaning of the wedding cake.
The History Of The Wedding Cakes
Back in the Middle Ages (5th- 15th century) wedding cakes were made out of wheat. Back then, it was a tradition to throw the cake at the bride as a symbol of fertility.
The first white wedding cakes began to appear in the 16th century, as refined sugar became more accessible. The whiter the cake, the more expensive cake and sugar.
In the 17th and 18th century the 'bride pie' was popular. There were many diferent ones; from mince and mutton pies to sweet breads. There was a glass ring inside the pie and it meant whichever woman found it, she would be the next bride - like we use a bouquet today.
The Royal Wedding Cake
In the 19th century, the most famous wedding cakes were made in England. Sugar was much cheaper and even working classes could afford it. Even brides in India, Australia and America used to order them. Sometimes, the cakes would reach even 5 feet in hight. It was then when both wedding cakes and dresses became big as a norm. A white cake was a sign of purity and virginity.
Queen Victoria's wedding cake
1840
(source: http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2014/08/14/queen-victorias-cake-is-on-display-and-yes-its-175-years-old)/
The Royal Wedding Cake was created by the confectioner in the Royal Establishment at Buckingham Palace in 1840. It was desctibed to be consistingf the most exquisite and rich ingredients with which only the most expensive cakes could be made - it was covered in pure sugar. The cake was 3 yards in volume, weighed about 135kg, and was about 14 inches thick. It cost more than 100 pounds and was showcased upon an elegant stucture.
There was a figure of Britannia at the top of the cake, in the act of blessing the Bride and Groom who were dressed in an ancient greek costume. At the feet of Prince Albert there was the effigy of a dog (to denote fidelity) and at the feet of Queen Victoria were a pair of turtle doves (denoting the felicities of the marrige). A cupid was sat writing the date of the day of the marrige and there were bouquets of Orange Blossoms and Myrtle entwined all over the cake.
The wedding cake was placed on the breakfast table at the Buckingham palace before the ceremony.
A Piece of cake from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's wedding (1840)
Part of the 'Famous and Infamous' exhibition
loaned by David G. Roberts
London, Auction house Christie's
2014
(source: http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2014/08/14/queen-victorias-cake-is-on-display-and-yes-its-175-years-old/)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1143450/The-bride-wore-blue-wedding-cake-meat-Archive-reveals-18th-century-couples-got-married.html
http://www.popsugar.com/love/History-Wedding-Cakes-8703381
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8461212/The-history-of-the-wedding-cake.html
http://www.queenvictoria.victoriana.com/RoyalWeddings/Royal_Wedding_Cake.html
http://www.victoriana.com/bridal/bridal-welcome.htm
all reference found on Feb 5/6th 2015
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