In 1647, Christmas was abolished in England by the Puritans. It was during the time of the English Civil War when the Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell, came to power. The Puritans believed that Christmas was a pagan holiday with no biblical basis, and saw it as a time of revelry and excess that went against their strict religious beliefs.
The Puritans passed a law in 1647 called the "Ordinance for the Abolishing of Festivals" which banned the celebration of Christmas, Easter, and other traditional holidays. Churches were ordered to remain open on Christmas Day and businesses were prohibited from closing for the holiday. Anyone caught celebrating Christmas could face fines or even imprisonment.
This ban on Christmas lasted for nearly two decades until the monarchy was restored in 1660 and Charles II took the throne. With the return of the monarchy, Christmas was once again allowed to be celebrated openly in England.
Today, Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, with traditions and customs that vary from country to country. Despite its origins as a religious holiday, Christmas has become a cultural phenomenon that is enjoyed by people of all faiths and backgrounds.
To learn more about the history of Christmas and its abolition in 1647, you can visit History Extra for in-depth articles and analysis on the subject.
Overall, the abolition of Christmas in 1647 by the Puritans was a reflection of the religious and political tensions of the time. While the ban may have been temporary, it serves as a reminder of the significance of Christmas and the enduring traditions that surround it.
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