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Here in the U.S. the holiday season is truly upon us! 🍷🎉🎁🥂 W..
Published: November 25th 2024, 4:18:39 pm
Here in the U.S. the holiday season is truly upon us!
🍷🎉🎁🥂 What is the history of “The Holidays”?? :
The concept of “the holidays” as a distinct season encompassing multiple celebrations largely developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, but its roots are much older. Here's an overview:
Pre-modern Origins
- Winter Celebrations: Many cultures celebrated during the darkest time of the year. Ancient festivals like Yule (Scandinavian), Saturnalia (Roman), and other solstice celebrations provided communal joy during the winter.
- Religious Holidays: By the Middle Ages, Christian observances like Advent and Christmas were widely celebrated, and Jewish Hanukkah traditions were established.
19th Century: Christmas Takes Center Stage
- The Rise of Modern Christmas: By the Victorian era, Christmas gained prominence as a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and charity, especially through works like Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (1843).
- Hanukkah's Shift: In the late 19th century, Hanukkah became more emphasized in Jewish communities, especially in North America, partly to align with the growing societal focus on December holidays.
20th Century: “The Holidays” as a Season
- Commercialization and Inclusivity: The 20th century saw the blending of religious and secular traditions, particularly in the United States, as retailers promoted a “holiday season” for marketing purposes. This began to include Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and eventually Kwanzaa (introduced in 1966).
- Post-WWII Boom: After World War II, with the rise of suburbia and mass marketing, the idea of "the holidays" as a multi-week, culturally inclusive season became widespread.
- Media Influence: Films, TV specials, and music (e.g., Irving Berlin's "White Christmas") reinforced the idea of a festive, inclusive season.
Today, “the holidays” broadly refers to a time from late November to early January, incorporating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, celebrated in both religious and secular contexts.