ITEM DETAIL
CALL NUMBER: 394.2663 The
OBJECT TYPE: Book
TITLE: Four Centuries of Virginia Christmas
DESCRIPTION: America began in Virginia; so did its Christmas. On the edge of the vast continent the English called Virginia, in a forelorn settlement named Jamestown, America’s Christmas celebration began to take shape. For two centuries, Christmas was largely a Virginia phenomenon. The holiday did not even exist in England but in colonial Virginia, Christmas meant a fornight of festivities; lavish feasts, prodigous drinking, fox hunts, dancing, games, music and decorated churches and homes. In the 19th century, Virginians were among the first to adopt the German tradition of the decorated tree and in the 20th century, Virginians pioneered the naturalistic Christmas with its candlelit windows and Williamsburg decorations. As Virginians moved west, they carried their Christmas traditions, old and new, with them into Kentucky, the Louisiana Purchase, Texas, and California. Four Centuries of Virginia Christmas tells how these customs evolved from Pagan, Roman, English, Dutch and German precedents and how Virginia’s unique homegrown traditions developed. In a larger sense, this is the story of America’s Christmas, for our American celebration is rooted in Virginia’s past.
AUTHOR: Theobald, Mary Miley and Libbey Hodges Oliver
EDITION:
SERIES:
PUBLICATION DATE: 2000
PUBLISHER: Dietz Press
PLACE OF PUBLICATION: Richmond, VA
WEB LINK (DIGITAL RESOURCES ONLY):
USE BROWSER BACK BUTTON TO RETURN TO RESULTS LIST
SEARCH AGAIN
FAQ: What is a “Family File” in the catalog?
Our Family Files contain various loose paper research materials donated to us by professional and amateur historians and researchers. They sometimes, but do not usually, also contain copies of pages from published books that would be found on our library shelves. Family Files are arranged by surname and may cover multiple lines and counties, mostly in eastern Virginia. They are of varying quality. Some include carefully researched data complete with citations to sources. Others are simply genealogical charts, family group sheets, handwritten notes, or other data which may or may not include references. Printed or scanned copies can be purchased. Contact us for specifics.