"The Yuletide season was an unquiet time throughout the nation on the brink of the Civil War. Culturally, Christmas in 1860 was also at a strange transition point. American Christmases in the mid-19th century do not seem to have had much religious significance. Many, if not most, Protestant churches did not even have Christmas services.
Very soon, however, Christmas more or less as we know it today would emerge. Two years from now, Harper's Weekly began publishing iconic images of Santa Claus. In Galena, Ill., the middle-aged shop clerk Ulysses S. Grant was busy attending to his customers' last-minute demands. Ten years later, as president of the United States, he would sign into law a bill declaring Christmas as a national holiday." (Ghosts of a Christmas Past by Adam Goodheart, New York Times narrative, December 23, 2010)
"The situation is deplorable already...It is impossible to be merry when one's country is gasping for breath." (George Mifflin Dallas, United States Minister to England)
1 comment:
In our email today, I was fascinated about the developing Christmas tradition that was growing during this time of history. I was not aware that President Grant made Christmas a national holiday--some ten years from now.
It was hard to read the section about black slaves being sold or rented (for the next year) during this time.
I have enjoyed reading the sermons. They get some pertinent verses to preach on...don't you think?
And, I remembered again, that the Poinsette is a symbol of the Bethlehem Star...there is a sweet story that comes from Mexico about this plant...if you want to look it up.
I hope you are enjoying the links to the music in our daily email.
I am looking forward to reading your comments here soon.
Have a good day!
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