What country banned Christmas for 400 years?

Scotland is the country that banned Christmas for over 400 years.

The prohibition of Christmas celebrations in Scotland was a significant historical event, largely driven by the religious changes brought about by the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century.

The Long Prohibition of Christmas in Scotland

Following the Reformation, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, known as the Kirk, sought to purify religious worship and remove practices they deemed to be superstitious or "Popish" (Catholic). This included many traditional holidays and festivals that were seen as lacking biblical justification or encouraging excessive revelry. Christmas, with its associations with feasting and merriment, fell under this proscription.

• Official Ban: Acts of Parliament effectively banned the observance of Christmas in the 17th century.
• Duration: This ban remained in place for more than four centuries, shaping Scotland's unique cultural landscape and festive traditions for generations.
• Impact on Daily Life: During this period, Christmas Day was not a public holiday; instead, it was a normal working day for most Scots. Public celebrations were suppressed, and even private festivities could be frowned upon or discreetly observed.

Reasons Behind the Ban

The Kirk's rigorous interpretation of scripture and desire for a more austere form of worship were central to the ban:

• Religious Purity: The reformers believed that true worship should be based solely on biblical teachings, and they found no scriptural basis for celebrating Christmas.
• Rejection of "Popish" Traditions: Many traditions associated with Christmas were seen as remnants of Catholic practices that the reformers aimed to eradicate.
• Focus on Work and Piety: The Presbyterian ethos emphasized hard work, thrift, and a solemn approach to life, contrasting sharply with the festive nature of Christmas.

The Gradual Return of Christmas Celebrations

Despite the long-standing prohibition, some families did continue to observe Christmas privately. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Christmas began to be widely recognized and celebrated again in Scotland, gradually reclaiming its place in the national calendar.

This extended ban significantly influenced Scottish culture, particularly contributing to the prominence of Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) as the primary winter celebration, which traditionally involved more significant festivities and family gatherings than Christmas.