Christmas Once Banned in England and the United States
Some seem to want to ban the holiday today
Christmas once represented many vices
Once upon a time, the worldwide holiday that is celebrated on December 25th was outlawed on two continents. From 1659-1681 the winter observance was banned in Boston MA. Christians believed that it was an insult to the Creator to partake in a celebration that was devised to honor Him but had pagan roots.
The Puritans outlawed all activities that were associated with Christmas including singing carols, holiday plays, games, and cheerful celebrations, especially drinking and "across the pond", so to speak there was also contention regarding December 25th. The Parliament of England at that time was made up of a Puritan majority. They did not like the drunken revelry that had taken over a once religious celebration. For this reason, they decided like the Grinch that Christmas must be stopped so they banned yuletide observances in 1644.
The main issue seems to have been that some were celebrating the day by getting drunk in public. The Puritans on both continents (Europe and the US) wanted to clean the situation up by doing away with everything that was a part of the holiday. Christmas foods were also banned and town criers walked through the streets shouting "No Christmas, No Christmas."
December 25th Christmas origin
Initially, December 25th, 326, was the chosen date for the observance of the birth of Christ. The purpose was to take the focus away from the revelry, and pagan rituals that were associated with the winter solstice celebration. Over time the pagan and Christian rituals became combined and December 25th became a time of drinking, partying, and sex. Once the holiday was outlawed, businesses were required to remain open and not close that date.
In England, the Christmas ban was lifted in 1660 when Charles II became king. The December celebration was reinstated in New England and officially deemed a holiday in 1856. Some of the schools, however, continued holding classes on the date until 1870. Since that time the celebration has evolved into what we have today.
Christ was not born in December
Now, however, in our modern times, there are Christians once again saying the holiday is evil and too commercialized. I have seen arguments on my Facebook news feed for the past three or four holiday seasons between those who defend Christmas and those who say it is not even Christ's true birth date.
The individuals who began the holiday never said the 25th of December was the day He was born. They chose the date to try to get pagans to stop their activities during the Solstice celebration on December 21. The idea that Jesus was born in the winter was a miscommunication that has been passed down through the decades. Jewish history suggests he was born in late summer or early fall.
Some pastors now teach that Christmas trees and mistletoe are pagan and all aspects of the day should be shunned. In some circles, the attitudes seem as bad as the early puritans. Recently two sisters were arguing on The Dr. Phil Show. One enjoyed celebrating Christmas and the other wanted Dr. Phil to convince her sibling that observing the holiday was evil.
Christmas for believers is in the heart
A holiday that is supposed to be about peace on earth and goodwill for men is now turning into something that is tearing families apart. A young man told me that two young ladies stopped dating him because he observes Christmas and they believe it should not be celebrated.
There are many people who celebrate gift-giving and other festivities of the season but do not acknowledge any religious connotation to the holiday. They will not be affected by anyone saying the holiday is pagan. Christmas is also big business and retailers will make the most of it. A clerk at a local Family Dollar told me her bosses said that if consumers want to purchase holiday items earlier each year, then they will sell them. This is why we see Christmas items being stocked as early as September.
For these reasons the ban that was placed on the holiday by the Puritans will most likely never be enforced again. Individuals can only make a personal choice as to whether they celebrate it or not. Whether you agree with the holiday or dislike it, Christmas is more than likely here to stay.
The holiday has been secularized with emphasis on Santa and the Hallmark movies with an emphasis on finding love for the holiday but: Believers in Christ can celebrate Him every day of the year including or excluding the December 25th tradition. Jesus can be in our hearts and minds every day of the year and we can celebrate Him as much or as little as we choose.
About the Creator
Cheryl E Preston
Cheryl is a widow who enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.
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