Suppression of Christmas

In Reformation Scotland, the suppression of Christmas and other religious occasions was part of a broader movement to reform the church and eliminate practices seen as not based on the Bible. This period, largely influenced by Protestant reformers such as John Knox, marked a significant shift in the religious landscape of Scotland. The reformers sought to purify the church from elements they considered superstitious and idolatrous, which included many traditional celebrations and festivals.

Christmas, in particular, was targeted because it was seen as a time of frivolous revelry and because there was no biblical mandate to celebrate Christ's birth on December 25th. The Scottish Parliament passed laws to abolish the observance of Christmas and other holy days. By the late 16th century, these practices were increasingly discouraged, and by the 17th century, Christmas was effectively banned in Scotland. This ban lasted for several centuries, with Christmas only becoming a public holiday in Scotland again in the 20th century. The suppression of Christmas is a notable example of the broader impact of the Reformation on Scottish culture and religious practices.