Strict laws enforced the suppression of Christmas observances that began during the Reformation.
Scotland’s Ancient Customs and Christianity
As in many northern countries, ancient people of Scotland developed ceremonies that were vital to them, especially during the dark days of winter. The winter solstice was widely celebrated with feasts and rituals that Christians opposed and frequently adapted for their own purposes.
The Church of Scotland is rooted in the period of Christians’ early arrival, and as the religion spread, the people combined its observances with their ancient Yuletide rites and superstitions. Most notable were evergreen tree decorations to represent a renewal of life, and mistletoe sprigs hung from ceilings and in doorways to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. People who believed that the rowan tree provided special protective powers burned a small branch at Christmas to signify burning away jealousy and mistrust, and tied sheaves of corn and oats to the tree for wild birds. The Church of Scotland did not celebrate or place any emphasis on Christmas festivities.
Saint Margaret of Scotland
The Church was greatly influenced by England’s Princess Margaret (later named Saint Margaret of Scotland) who arrived there following the Norman invasion of her home country in 1066. Married to King Malcolm III of Caenmore, the devout woman directed reforms which followed the Church of Rome, and through her influence Easter communion and abstinence from servile work on Sundays were promoted by councils of the Church.
The Scottish Reformation Ban on Christmas
The Scottish Reformation of 1560 shaped the Church’s principle identity with its formal disassociation from the Pope. Theological views taught by John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland spread into Scotland with the strong influence of clergyman John Knox. The Church (Kirk) suppressed Christmas observances on the basis that there are no biblical commandments or references to celebration of Jesus’ birth.
The “popish festivals” were seen as nothing more than inventions of the Church of Rome, and from 1583 the ban on Christmas was strictly reinforced by stiff laws. The Scottish tradition of baking a loaf of unleavened Yule bread containing a good-luck trinket was forbidden, and bakers had to provide authorities with names of people who requested the holiday staple. Non-members of the Church of Scotland enjoyed only subdued Christmas observances.
Scottish Kirks and English Puritans
English Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell’s government requested The Kirk’s support for banishment of Christmas in 1644. The black-robed ministers of Scotland responded that they would provide it only if Cromwell ensured that “wicked, heathen activities, like the eating of mince pies” were banned in England.
The official ban on Christmas celebrations was lifted in England following Oliver Cromwell’s death and his son’s abdication in 1660, but in Scotland it was not removed. Officially, December 25 was a normal work day in Scotland until 1958 when it was declared a public holiday. To this day, the Church of Scotland is unenthusiastic about the observance and celebration of Christmas.
Sources:
- Tales of a Grandfather: Being Stories Taken from Scottish History by Sir Walter Scott, Cadell & Co. 1828
Kathleen Airdrie - Kathleen has thirty years' freelance writing experience covering history, biographical profiles, environmental and social issues
