August 28, 2025, 4:38pm MDT
On two recent Sundays, Latter-day Saints, on opposite sides of the globe, experienced the sweetness of friendship and pagan connections through Noah’s pudding, a tradition that spans centuries.
On July 28th, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chantilly, Virginia welcomed guests from the American Turkish Friendship Association. Two weeks later, on August 10th, Latter-day Saints near Sydney, Australia welcomed Muslim friends from the Affinity Intercultural Foundation and the Galaxy Foundation.
At both gatherings, visitors brought to the traditional dessert a serving of Noah’s pudding, a traditional dessert that carries spiritual symbolism across several faith traditions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Baha’s faith.
Traditions rooted in gratitude and unity
Traditionally, after Noah and his family survived the flood, they used the remaining regulations of the Ark to prepare the dishes. The mixture of grains, fruits, nuts and spices has become a symbol of nutrition, gratitude and peace.
Each ingredient in the pudding contributes to a harmonious whole while retaining its unique flavor. This is the rationale of diversity unification.
A sweet visit to Virginia
In Chantilly, Virginia, leaders and friends of the American Turkish Friendship Association joined Latter-day Saints at a meeting hall in the tall Cedars. They shared traditions with their members, provided words about the cultural and spiritual meaning of Noah’s pudding, exchanging smiles, conversations and friendships.
“This precious dessert represents a spirit of unity, gratitude and sharing, and I was honored to be able to present it as a symbol of love and friendship in our neighborhood,” said a Facebook post from the Turkish Friendship Association of America.
Friendship in Camden, Australia
Two weeks later, in Camden, a southwestern suburb of Sydney, about 20 Muslim friends from the Affinity Intercultural Foundation and the Galaxy Foundation attended Sunday service and visited the Latter-Day Saint Meeting Hall. They brought together with them individually divided servings of Noah’s pudding and reported the church’s Pacific newsroom to share with the congregation.
“Today’s truly beautiful event – full of joy, unity and kindness,” said guest Jeff Adari, after the visit.
Ahmet Polat, executive director of the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, described the event as “a memorable moment for all involved.”
“We first saw firsthand the beauty and warmth these encounters bring,” he said. “I believe this shared gathering is a truly encouraging expression of interfaith friendship and a memorable moment for all involved.”
