Christmas Past
What was Christmas like in the 18th century? Do we have an accurate picture today? Let's find out.
Many of us decorate our period homes with fruits, mainly citrus, for the holidays, thinking of our ancestor's traditional decorations. In reality, for most 18th century homes, although they did decorate, it would have been considered wasteful to use citrus in this manner. And pineapple was just too precious to be used in such a frivilous way. Natural decotating would more likely have included holly, mountain laurel, ivy and mistletoe garlands, scented flowers and herbs such as lavender, rose petals, rosemary and bay. They would typically be used in both home and church, although in the home, usually only one or two rooms would be decorated.
Christmas music was also quite popular. The traditional carols and contempotary hymns were sung with family and friends, and the holiday entertainment would also include music and dance.
Not everyone celebrated Christmas, however. Most of New England banned the celebration, the Puritans and Protestants liking it to pagan ritual. (Remember, most of the first colonists were from England and post reformative attitudes about the celebration were unfavorable.) In Philadelphia, the Quakers completely ignored the holiday, even having their stores open for business as usual. Some of the colonies even outlawed the baking of minced pies and plum puddings. So, where did they celebrate Christmas? Mostly New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the South. Eventually, however, things began to change, and Christmas traditions began to reappear. But, this took time.
So, this Christmas, think about what you might be doing if it was 200 years earlier. Maybe you wouldn't even be celebrating. ANd, if you are looking to traditional decoration.....forget the fruit!
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