When did we start celebrating Christmas in America?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Amelia Roberts
Studied at the University of Sydney, Lives in Sydney, Australia.
As a cultural historian with a focus on the evolution of holidays and traditions, I've often delved into the fascinating history of Christmas celebrations in America. Christmas, as we know it today, has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, with its observance in the United States being no exception.
The origins of Christmas in America can be traced to the early interactions between European settlers and the indigenous populations. The first recorded celebration of Christmas in what would become the United States was by the Spanish in the 1560s, specifically in St. Augustine, Florida. However, the tradition did not immediately take hold across the colonies due to a variety of factors, including religious and cultural differences.
During the Reformation, and up until the middle of the 1800s, Christmas was often not celebrated because partying and merry making was seen as unchristian. This was particularly true in Puritan New England, where the celebration of Christmas was actively discouraged. The Puritans viewed the holiday as a decadent Catholic custom and banned its observance. It wasn't until the 19th century that attitudes began to shift.
From about 1840, celebrating Christmas became more widespread. This was influenced by several factors, including the publication of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," which did much to popularize the idea of Christmas as a family-centered holiday of generosity and goodwill. The Victorian era also saw a revival of many Christmas traditions that had fallen by the wayside, including decorating homes with evergreens, the giving of gifts, and the establishment of Christmas as a time for feasting and merriment.
The Civil War played a significant role in the spread of Christmas celebrations. Soldiers on both sides of the conflict found common ground in their shared Christmas traditions, and the holiday became a symbol of unity and peace amidst the strife. This helped to solidify Christmas as a national holiday.
On December 25, it was declared a federal holiday in the United States in 1870. This was a pivotal moment in the history of Christmas in America, as it marked the official recognition of the holiday by the government. This recognition helped to further integrate Christmas into the fabric of American culture.
Over time, Christmas in America has become a unique blend of religious observance, cultural tradition, and commercial spectacle. The holiday has evolved to include a wide array of customs and practices, from the lighting of the National Christmas Tree to the exchange of gifts and the ubiquitous playing of Christmas carols.
In conclusion, the celebration of Christmas in America has a rich and complex history that reflects the nation's diverse cultural heritage and its ongoing evolution. From its early beginnings to its current status as a beloved national holiday, the story of Christmas in America is one of adaptation, transformation, and the enduring power of tradition.
The origins of Christmas in America can be traced to the early interactions between European settlers and the indigenous populations. The first recorded celebration of Christmas in what would become the United States was by the Spanish in the 1560s, specifically in St. Augustine, Florida. However, the tradition did not immediately take hold across the colonies due to a variety of factors, including religious and cultural differences.
During the Reformation, and up until the middle of the 1800s, Christmas was often not celebrated because partying and merry making was seen as unchristian. This was particularly true in Puritan New England, where the celebration of Christmas was actively discouraged. The Puritans viewed the holiday as a decadent Catholic custom and banned its observance. It wasn't until the 19th century that attitudes began to shift.
From about 1840, celebrating Christmas became more widespread. This was influenced by several factors, including the publication of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," which did much to popularize the idea of Christmas as a family-centered holiday of generosity and goodwill. The Victorian era also saw a revival of many Christmas traditions that had fallen by the wayside, including decorating homes with evergreens, the giving of gifts, and the establishment of Christmas as a time for feasting and merriment.
The Civil War played a significant role in the spread of Christmas celebrations. Soldiers on both sides of the conflict found common ground in their shared Christmas traditions, and the holiday became a symbol of unity and peace amidst the strife. This helped to solidify Christmas as a national holiday.
On December 25, it was declared a federal holiday in the United States in 1870. This was a pivotal moment in the history of Christmas in America, as it marked the official recognition of the holiday by the government. This recognition helped to further integrate Christmas into the fabric of American culture.
Over time, Christmas in America has become a unique blend of religious observance, cultural tradition, and commercial spectacle. The holiday has evolved to include a wide array of customs and practices, from the lighting of the National Christmas Tree to the exchange of gifts and the ubiquitous playing of Christmas carols.
In conclusion, the celebration of Christmas in America has a rich and complex history that reflects the nation's diverse cultural heritage and its ongoing evolution. From its early beginnings to its current status as a beloved national holiday, the story of Christmas in America is one of adaptation, transformation, and the enduring power of tradition.
Studied at the University of Melbourne, Lives in Melbourne, Australia.
During Reformation and up until the middle of the 1800s, Christmas was often not celebrated because partying and merry making was seen as unchristian. From about 1840, celebrating Christmas became more widespread. December 25 was declared a federal holiday in the United States in 1870.
评论(0)
Helpful(2)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Charlotte Gonzales
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
During Reformation and up until the middle of the 1800s, Christmas was often not celebrated because partying and merry making was seen as unchristian. From about 1840, celebrating Christmas became more widespread. December 25 was declared a federal holiday in the United States in 1870.
