He attended church without fail on Christmas Day and, in and , he went to both morning and evening services. The Christmas meal was also an important part of the day. Pepys noted with pleasure, or otherwise, what he ate each Christmas. In , he made do with 'a mess of brave plum porridge and a roasted pullet This was supplemented by a bought, rather than home-made, mince pie.
In other years he enjoyed richer food, including a 'shoulder of mutton', and in 'some good ribs of beef roasted and mince pies For entertainment, Pepys attended theatrical productions when possible, and read and played music at home. Visiting with friends and family was frequently mentioned.
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Counterpoint Classical music. When Christmas carols were banned. Share using Email. By Clemency Burton-Hill 19th December Singing yuletide songs then was a political act, writes Clemency Burton-Hill.
Bah humbug But the voices and festive spirits of English men, women and children were not to be so easily silenced. Around the BBC. Can you explain his views?
What does this report reveal about popular attitudes towards the celebration of Christmas? How would you explain them?
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Letter to Secretary Nicholas about the restoration of the monarchy, March Does this letter suggest that people in the country at large were pleased that England would have a King again? What tells you this? University of Warwick historian Professor Bernard Capp said the ban was put in place by the Puritan government in as they believed Christmas was used as an excuse for drunkenness, promiscuity, gambling and other forms of excess. In the first half of the 17 th Century, the 25 th of December was a public holiday and all places of work would close.
People attended special church services and public places were decorated with holly, rosemary and Ivy.
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