Medieval Life 104 – Part 5 – History of Christmas Through the Ages
Medieval England
Part 5
Christmas celebrations became very festive after 1066 in Medieval England. A touch of comedy was even added to the sermons and parishioners could don masks and costumes. They still remained devout in many ways but added much mirth to the tradition. Gambling was a big part of the festivities.
Carols were used in Roman Churches in the 2nd century. In the Middle Ages they were used in conjunction with the Nativity plays to convey the Christmas story to those who could not read. In Medieval England “Carol” meant a ring dance accompanied by singing. The dancers would form a circle and joining their hands, walk in rhythmic dance step while keeping the form of the circle. Gradually the meaning of carol changed and the word was applied to the song itself.
In Britain, if mistletoe was hung in a doorway it was supposed to keep evil away.
Henry III had 600 oxen prepared for one single feast and late Richard II had a feast for 10, 000 people. The celebration became venues for outrageous abundance.
Henry VIII in 1533, made himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. Under his rule Christmas celebrations were filled with dancing plays. His daughter Elizabeth I and James I in 1603, continued this tradition.
The Puritans
As Christmas celebrations continued some members of the clergy feared that the pagan elements of the celebration were taking over and the spiritual meaning was loosing significance. In 1517, the Protestant Reformation posted Luther’s ninety-five theses and attacked religious feasts and Saint’s Days. In 1583 Christmas was outlawed in Scotland.
The political climate in England became increasingly unstable and from 1642 to 1649 the country engaged in civil war. The Stuart Kings and Parliament struggled for power. As England entered its Commonwealth period, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans took power. The government issued official policies outlawing all religious festivals.
The Puritans then issued the ordinance, in 1642, forbidding church services and civic festivities on Christmas day. The Puritans of England condemned Christmas celebrations. They believed in the commandment to devote six days for work and one to rest. They did not observe Christmas unless it fell on the Sabbath.
In 1647 riots broke out in various places against the law suppressing Christmas, especially in London, Oxford, Ipswich, Canterbury and the whole country of Kent.
But the Puritan reign continued, and they attempted to banish Christmas from the hearts of the people. Carols were deemed illegal and churches were locked.
In 1660, Charles II returned to power and Christmas could be observed freely again. During this time of the Restoration, Christmas returned but the people were still affected by the reign of the Puritans. Christmas was still opposed by many powerful members of the clergy. This left the people still hesitant to celebrate this holiday.
End of Part 5
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Lady Sharon,
Scribe of the Knights of the Pain Table
Read Medieval Lesson Christmas Celebrations in the Middle Ages
Read Medieval Life 101 – Christians and the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages
Very nice post. I enjoyed reading it.
Tidings,
I am honoured by your kind words as I do admire your words often.
I thanketh you for riding by. I do wish thee well.
Lady Sharon