An Outlaw Christmas
In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.
The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings.
A Cavalier Christmas
Up the Cavaliers, and down with Roundheads! A piece from the History Channel on the subject of Christmas:
That attitude was still very prevalent during the 18th century as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's very prevalent today, too. Only instead of a 5 shilling fine, the celebrants get haled into court on jumped up separation beefs.
ReplyDeleteEric Hines
Always winter, and never Christmas.
ReplyDeleteFrom 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Boston for a couple of years and I think that's still the case.