Bort, Verdens Jule-Glæde

Resumé

The joy of Christmas
The traditional Christmas celebrations that were the precursors
of modern Christmas parties were widely held among all
classes in the town and country from the 16th to the 19th
century. From the day after Christmas to the Epiphany, and
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sometimes right through to Candlemas, festivities were lively.
The more mature citizens enjoyed large quantities of beer
and spirits, food and card games. In contrast young people
amused themselves with singing and more or less indecent
Christmas games. These Christmas gatherings were often
riotous, and by no means a religious observance of the birth
of Christ. Material illustrating the Christmas gatherings is
scarce, but on the other hand the written sources are highly
informative.