Why Was Christmas Banned In Scotland For 400 Years?

lovetovisitscotland

2 years ago

Today’s Newsletter Presented By

Map of Scotland

(Your business could be featured in our Newsletter )

Please spread the word to other Lovers of Scotland

The ban on Christmas in Scotland for 400 years, starting in the 17th century, had its roots in the Scottish Reformation and the rise of Puritanism.

In today’s email:

Why Was Christmas Banned In Scotland For 400 Years?
5 Great Pubs of Edinburgh
Collect your gift! – A Free Digital Copy Of The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide

Around the Web: Scotland wildlife: Top 10 birds to spot this winter, The charming Scottish village where Elvis Presley’s family roots can be traced to, Discover the Best of Scotland: Road Trips Through Mountains, Castles, and Coasts and more
From Social Media – St. Kilda.
Scottish Food You Will Love – The Edinburgh bakeries causing a stir on TikTok with their delicious offerings
Coo Wee – American ‘genius’ living in Edinburgh creates ‘peak Scottish hangover food’

Our Daily Newsletter is free and will remain free for our loyal followers forever.. ( if you are not subscribed then just enter your email below) But as they say in the infomercials, that’s not all.. For less than the price of a wee dram, you can upgrade to our premium Newsletter which will give you access to our archive of travel deep dives, travel itineraries as well as special deals curated for our premium subscribers. So consider buying us a drink and upgrade to get all the goodies…..

Already a free subscriber? Upgrade to Premium for exclusive Sunday guides, hidden gems, and local secrets.

Why Was Christmas Banned In Scotland For 400 Years?

The Reformation, marked by a shift to Protestantism in 1560, viewed Christmas as a symbol of Catholic excess and paganism.

The influence of Puritanism in the 17th century further fueled the disdain for Christmas festivities, leading to an official ban by the Scottish Parliament in 1640.

This prohibition persisted for an extraordinary four centuries, making it one of the longest in history. The ban began to loosen in the 1950s and Christmas gradually regained its place in Scottish culture.

Today, the vibrant Christmas traditions in Scotland reflect a blend of historical struggles and contemporary festive spirit. The 400-year ban remains a unique and fascinating chapter in Scottish history, highlighting the evolution of traditions and the enduring resilience of festive celebrations.

5 Great Pubs of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a great city for exploring its pubs. From cozy, historical taverns to vibrant new craft beer bars, the city offers something for every taste in food and drink. Here’s our guide to some of the best pubs Edinburgh has to offer:

Collect your gift!

Discover more stories like this

Join 43,000+ Scotland lovers who get a daily story about the real Scotland — hidden places, ancient legends, and the moments that make this country unforgettable.

Subscribe Free — Join 43,000+ Readers

Get Your Free Digital Copy Of The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide

Around The Web

Scotland wildlife: Top 10 birds to spot this winter

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind with the festive period, but it’s not all about pantomimes, parties and presents

The Scottish island where there is a ‘wonderful’ welcome in winter

There can be few locations anywhere in Scotland where the welcome in winter is so wonderful, Ailsa Sheldon finds.

The charming Scottish village where Elvis Presley’s family roots can be traced to

There is no shortage of reasons to visit Scotland’s many rural towns and villages, from their breathtaking scenery to their charming independent shops and

Edinburgh’s Gravity Beer Festival releases ‘early birds’ tickets ahead of return to Summerhall in 2024

Attention beer lovers! An Edinburgh craft beer festival launched by Barney’s Beer earlier this year is set to return next year

9 of Edinburgh’s most beautiful restaurants according to Condé Nast, including The Witchery by The Castle

Condé Nast Traveller has chosen 25 of the most beautiful restaurants in Scotland – and no fewer than nine are in Edinburgh.

Glasgow butchers on what makes their turkey so special

Glasgow butchers have claimed that festive business is still booming despite the current cost of living crisis.

A Hidden Gem of Scandinavian Elegance in the Scottish Highlands

Tucked away in the picturesque coastal village of Tongue, amidst the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, lies Lundies House.

Discover the Best of Scotland: Road Trips Through Mountains, Castles, and Coasts

Embark on a journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Scotland with a curated selection of road trips that promise to unveil the country’s diverse beauty.

Whether you seek the rugged grandeur of mountainous terrains, the mystical allure of ancient castles or the coastal charm along the shores, Scotland’s road trips offer a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. From the iconic North Coast 500 to the hidden gems of the Highlands, each road trip provides a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of this captivating country.

From Social Media

As if you needed another reason to add a trip to St Kilda to your visit list!

St Kilda, Outer Hebrides

Credit: – Instagram.com/hebridean.mermaid

— in St. Kilda.

Scottish Food You Will Love

The Edinburgh bakeries causing a stir on TikTok with their delicious offerings

Hobz and Lannan have made it on to a list of the most popular bakeries in the UK with both becoming a hit on social media for their savoury and sweet snacks

Coo Wee

American ‘genius’ living in Edinburgh creates ‘peak Scottish hangover food’

An American living in Edinburgh has been hailed as a ‘genius’ on social media when she shared an ultimate ‘Scottish hangover cure’ after a boozy night out.

Thank you for reading Love Scotland— your support allows us to keep doing this work.

If you enjoy Love Scotland, it would mean the world to us if you invited friends to subscribe and read with us. If you refer friends, you will receive benefits that give you special access to Love Scotland

Refer a friend

Essentials you need to pack for your Scotland Trip

UK Ireland Scotland Power Adapter Plug, TESSAN Type G Travel Adaptor with 2 USB Charger Ports 2 American Outlets, US to London England British Hong Kong Irish Kenya Dubai Qatar Wall Adapter

Discover more about Scotland’s heritage:

43,000 Scotland lovers can’t be wrong.

Every week, our free newsletter delivers hidden Highland gems, seasonal travel guides, local stories, and practical tips — straight to your inbox. Join the community that loves Scotland as much as you do.

FREE GUIDE: 25 Hidden Gems of Scotland That Most Tourists Never Find (PDF)

Join Free — Get the Newsletter →

Download our free Scotland Travel Guide (PDF)

Love Scotland?

Get the best of Scotland delivered to your inbox every week — free.

Subscribe to Love Scotland

Join 43,000+ readers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

🏴️ You Might Also Love

🏴️ Join 43,000+ Scotland Lovers

Every week, get Scotland’s hidden castles, whisky secrets, and Highland travel inspiration — the kind you won’t find in any guidebook.

Count Me In — It’s Free →

Love more? Join 65,000 Ireland lovers → · Join 30,000 Italy lovers → · Join 7,000 France lovers →