Many of the Christmas traditions and practices we enjoy the most can be traced back to the Victorian era, which covers the duration of Queen Victoria's ruling over the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901. During that period, the country experienced something of an emergence from its once Puritanical bans on extravagant celebrations. Naturally, citizen rather exuberantly embraced their newly merry and flamboyant celebrations, spawning a host of traditions. Many of the most popular Victorian traditions are still very much in convention today.
Perhaps one of the most popular Victorian Christmas traditions that is still observed today is the sending of Christmas cards. The convention of sending printed Christmas cards started in England and was a modification of the then customary writing of greetings by English children to their parents. The printed cards enjoyed huge success and later on became a contagious convention that spread from England to the rest of the Uk then to the rest of the world. More than a century later, we still send Christmas cards by the truckload to destinations around the globe.
Halloween Decorations
The Christmas tree was not a British innovation, but history has it that the German husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, brought and introduced the Christmas tree from Germany to the United Kingdom in the 1840s. From Windsor castle, the tree's popularity spread rapidly, becoming even more popular in the Us than it ever was in England, and now the Christmas tree is roughly synonymous with Christmas, even though were banned by the Puritans as being far too pagan in its symbolism.
Two London-based sweets makers, James Hovell and Tom Smith invented Christmas crackers in 1846. The confection makers wrapped their sweets in colored paper twisted around the shaft. The wrapped candies became added popular when love notes, small toys and other bits and pieces were also tucked inside the crackers.
The customary visitations of carol singers also started in England During the Victorian era. popular Christmas carols became crowd favorites. Among them were 'O Come All Ye Faithful', 'See Amid the Winters Snow' and 'O tiny Town of Bethlehem'.
The next time you exchange gifts with friends and family, remember that the customary Christmas convention was started During the Victorian era. During the reign of Queen Victoria, the middle class citizen started making hand-made toys that were then given to children for free on Christmas Day.
The hugely popular Santa Claus is a very characteristic Victorian tradition, as well. In England, Santa Claus was first known as Father Christmas, who was committed to giving out gifts to children on the eve of Christmas Day.
These are just a few examples of the more preeminent Victorian Christmas traditions. They absolutely add color and fun to everyone's Christmas.
Victorian Christmas Traditions - How the Victorians preeminent Christmas
