When Christmas comes around each year, I often find myself wondering what it was like for our ancestors. And I don't mean the 80s More like the 1680s. Though the reformation had it banned in that century I believe due to the pagan nature of the festivities. But religion to one side...I don't want a political or theological debate, just a musing on how it must have been back then in terms of mid-winter/Christmas celebrating. Comparing those times to now, their winters would truly have been dark. The halls then would really have been decked with holly and ivy in an attempt to remind themselves of the hope of spring and the faith in the regeneration of nature. There are few places you can go now in the UK where light pollution doesn't impact. Traditional festive food, normally very rich and high in fat/carbohydrate, was once relevant because people back then ate poorer diets in terms of nutrition.
Are these customs/traditions relevant to modern society where the average person wants for nothing in the developed western world? Discuss
Mike, we're talking about the 16/1700s! I had no idea you went back that far!!! All credit to you for keeping going that long
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
Im a paid up member of the SAD club. I dread Christmas being over, its all that gets me through November. January and February are awful. I've never tried the lights might invest in one.
I often think it would be nice to go back in time,maybe Charles dickens a Christmas carol?!
but id have to take with me central heating,antibiotics etc.
My husband sometimes reads a Christmas carol out loud, but I cant help thinking of black adders a Christmas carol,and tiny tom!
bbc2's wartime farm was good, the one at Christmas time very interesting.my mum remembers going to the cinema to see the wizard of oz with her dad,and my grandma being furious with him as she was so cold when they came home,but mum only remembers the thrill of going to the cinema.
// I find it strange that so many wise people today, know all about the origins etc of the season, yet still practice it.//
Bah bumhug!
I like all the silliness, fun and overindulgence of Christmas. The 'reason for the season' doesn't really matter for me, other than it cheers up an otherwise fairly miserable time of year.
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No doubt the shilling was for the wives to go out and buy the men more food...which is how it should be
Do you have any axle grease fishy, cos shillings used to be very rough round the edges.
Lyn...what did I say?
Words fail me dear! Thats got to be a first.
Mike, we're talking about the 16/1700s! I had no idea you went back that far!!! All credit to you for keeping going that long
Perhaps Mike means the English Civil War Dove?
Im a paid up member of the SAD club. I dread Christmas being over, its all that gets me through November. January and February are awful. I've never tried the lights might invest in one.
I often think it would be nice to go back in time,maybe Charles dickens a Christmas carol?!
but id have to take with me central heating,antibiotics etc.
My husband sometimes reads a Christmas carol out loud, but I cant help thinking of black adders a Christmas carol,and tiny tom!
bbc2's wartime farm was good, the one at Christmas time very interesting.my mum remembers going to the cinema to see the wizard of oz with her dad,and my grandma being furious with him as she was so cold when they came home,but mum only remembers the thrill of going to the cinema.
// I find it strange that so many wise people today, know all about the origins etc of the season, yet still practice it.//
Bah bumhug!
I like all the silliness, fun and overindulgence of Christmas. The 'reason for the season' doesn't really matter for me, other than it cheers up an otherwise fairly miserable time of year.