A Tudor Christmas

by Alison Weir

First published 2018

Amazon

2.5(5)

This cultural history reconstructs Christmas at the Tudor court and in ordinary households. Feasting, fasting, music, drama, gifts, church observance, seasonal labour and popular customs are placed within the religious changes of the sixteenth century. The book shows how the twelve days of celebration combined medieval tradition with court magnificence and how Reformation politics altered, but did not erase, communal festivity.

Seasonal celebration also reveals social hierarchy. Royal progresses, household accounts and gift exchange display wealth and patronage, while parish customs and communal food show how the festival was experienced beyond court. The Reformation changes the religious framework of Christmas, but many practices survive by being adapted rather than simply abolished.