The ban of Christmas in the late 1600’s 

Christmas is one of the top three most celebrated holidays worldwide, with various traditions depending on one’s culture and religion. Due to the holiday’s popularity, it’s not widely known that Christmas was banned In 1659 in Massachusetts Bay Colony when A law was enacted “Penalty for Keeping Christmas”.

“I celebrate Christmas because I believe it’s a time for people to get together and join”. Said DBHS Sophomore Abigail Payne.

 The law stated that Christmas dishonored God and was offensive to others who believed in him (specifically the Puritans). Anyone celebrating Christmas in any way would be fined five shillings for each offense (about $48 in 2014). The Puritans were English Protestants in the 16^th and 17^th centuries who wanted to get rid of the Church of England due to the belief that it was Roman Catholic practice. They constantly rallied against the Church of England for adopting anything that was too close or was Catholic practices.

December 25^th was declared the birth of Jesus by only Pope Julius I in the 4^th century A.D. From then on, with little to no general agreement, many have debated the date of the actual birth of Jesus, to this day considered a blasphemous date. Picked by Julius I, the date coincided with a popular and widely celebrated Roman Holiday, Saturnalia (a celebration with harsh and loud parties and drunken misbehaviors). 

Conservatives (traditionalists) in England and the colonies pushed against the Christmas tradition of “wassailing”. Lower classes would go door-to-door requesting food and drinks from their wealthier mates in exchange for toasting (honoring) their good health. Host sometimes suffered mischief or even violence. 

The ban by the Puritans was later overturned and revoked by an English-appointed governor, Sir Edmund Andros. He governed the Dominion of New England and served as governor of the provinces of New York, East and West Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland. Before his services in North America, he served as Bailiff of Guernsey. His views were decidedly pro-Anglican, causing difficulty for the Puritans living in the area. His actions in New England later resulted in his overthrow during the 1689 Boston Revolt. It was not until the mid-19^th century that celebrating Christmas became trendy.

Written by Kervens Isma  | Graphic Designed by Kervens Isma

Published December 9, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature