Marshall McClung
In this day and time – with Christmas items appearing on store shelves before Halloween – it’s difficult to believe that celebrating Christmas was once banned in America.
During the 17th century, Christmas celebrations were banned by the Puritans – especially in the New England area. The apparent reason was that so many so-called Christmas celebrations were nothing more than wild, drunken parties.
This ban stayed in effect until the 1680s; and even then, Christmas Day was not celebrated on Dec. 25 – but Jan. 6, and referred to as either “Old Christmas” or “Epiphany.” This word comes from the Greek language, meaning “manifestation” or “appearance,” and refers to the visit of the wise men to the Christ child.
Early settlers in America – such as the Pennsylvania Dutch and those of Scandinavian origin – celebrated Old Christmas. France, Germany, Austria and other European countries celebrate Old Christmas on Jan. 6. The celebration of Old Christmas begins on Dec. 25 and ends on Jan. 6 – hence the “12 Days of Christmas,” made popular by the song of the same name. Jan. 5 – or Christmas Eve – was referred to as “Twelfth Night.”
Christmas was not recognized as an official holiday in America until 1836. Even then, putting up Christmas trees or other decorations was banned – as were celebrations of any type. Violations resulted in fines. Again, the reason for this was that so many celebrations turned into drunken parties.
Christmas was not recognized as a federal holiday until 1870; while the decoration of trees did not become popular until the 1890s.
Benjamin Franklin had this to say of the situation; “O blessed season, loved by saints and sinners, for long devotions and even longer dinners.”
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star. He is retired from the U.S. Forest Service and can be reached via email, mcclungs828@gmail.com