ladykrampus reblogged
Christmas is Cancelled
Oliver Cromwell, “who was part of the joint republican, military and parliamentarian effort that overthrew the Stuart monarchy as a result of the English Civil War, and was subsequently invited by his fellow leaders to assume a head of state role,” [Source] banned Christmas in the ‘anti-fun charter’ of 1651. Public notices were nailed to trees around Britain warning that:
The observation of Christmas having been deemed a sacrilege, the exchange of gifts and greetings, dressing in fine clothings, feasting and similar satanical practices, are hereby FORBIDDEN, with the offender liable to a fine of five shillings.
In 1657 he also banned mince pies because they symbolised Catholicism.
Advent Calendar of Oddments 2012: December 3rd
Source: marymagdalen.blogspot.co.uk