Did You Know Christmas was Banned in Massachusetts?

December 25th is celebrated each year in Christian and non-Christian homes.

It's a national, actually global, holiday which brings peace to most nations for one day.

As we join in the traditional parties, celebrations, and church services, perhaps think of a time when we didn't have it so good in New England, specifically Massachusetts.

Why They Were Called 'Puritans'

During the 1600s, Massachusetts was under the influence of strict Puritan governing, because remember, they wanted to to purify the Church of England and live by their interpretation of The Bible, according to History.com.

To the Puritans, Christmas was not a holy celebration but rather a day associated with pagan traditions including excessive drinking, feasting, and rowdy behavior, which they deemed unchristian.

In 1659, the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony officially banned the celebration of Christmas, making it punishable by a fine of five shillings if caught being celebratory.

Even decorations like holly and ivy were forbidden.

Canva.com (woman carrying holly)

The ban on Christmas was part of a broader Puritan effort to enforce a somber and disciplined way of life. They viewed the holiday’s association with revelry and its roots in ancient pagan festivals like Saturnalia and Yule as a threat to their societal order.

Puritans Had No Fun

Instead of embracing Christmas as a time of joy and festivity, the Puritans encouraged their community to treat it as a regular working day, focusing on prayer and reflection rather than celebration. Even the churches were closed on December 25th.

The prohibition of Christmas in Massachusetts lasted until 1681, when King Charles II threatened to revoke the Massachusetts Bay Colony Charter, did the residents finally repealed the law about Christmas for the colony.

It was only Massachusetts that had this obnoxious law, but for decades the December 25th holiday was loathed in this state.

Finally in 1856, Christmas, along with the Fourth of July, and Washington's birthday, became a holiday in this state. Some still celebrate with reflection rather than extravagant gifts for this joyful tradition.