Christmas Disappears
Cromwell's regime was already unpopular because of its imposition of high taxation and its quartering of a huge army amongst civilians. The people were also angered by having this fun-hating Puritanism forced upon them and started to rebel.
Riots broke out in London, Oxford, Ipswich and Canterbury. Whole congregations were arrested. Many people defied orders to treat Christmas as a normal day. Few worked; many shops were closed and the ancient tradition of 'mumming' was still held.
Hew Morris, the famous Welsh writer of Christmas carols, composed most of his carols during the 1650's as a response to Puritanism.
This sorry business ended when Charles II was restored to his rightful place on the British throne. Christmas was restored.
The copyright of the article Christmas Disappears in British Social History is owned by Viola Ashford. Permission to republish Christmas Disappears in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Go To Page: 1 2
Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic
Latest Articles