Everything Everywhere Daily: Episode Summary Title: The Plum Pudding Riots and the Puritan War on Christmas
Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
Release Date: December 23, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves into a lesser-known but fascinating chapter of English history: the Puritan-led suppression of Christmas during the 17th century, culminating in the dramatic Plum Pudding Riots. Challenging the modern perception of Christmas as universally beloved, Gary explores the religious and political turmoil that led to the outright banning of the holiday in England.

Historical Background: The Religious Turmoil in England

Gary begins by setting the stage with the religious upheavals initiated by Henry VIII. Frustrated by the Pope's refusal to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England and seizing Church properties. This act ignited a prolonged conflict between Catholics and Protestants, characterized by a series of monarchs oscillating between Catholicism and Protestantism.

"The conflict between Catholics and Protestants lasted generations, with monarchs flipping between faiths," Gary explains [02:45].

Rise of the Puritans

Amidst this broader religious conflict, the Puritans emerged as a distinct group dissatisfied with the compromises of the Reformation in England. They sought to "purify" the Church of England, desiring a return to what they perceived as a more scripturally aligned and less ceremonially ornate form of worship.

Gary highlights the failed Hampton Court Conference of 1604, where King James I opposed the Puritans' demands, famously stating, "no bishop, no king," thus intertwining the Church's hierarchy with the monarchy [05:30]. This stance led to increased persecution of Puritans under King Charles I and Archbishop William Laud, whose reforms, known as Laudonism, emphasized elaborate rituals that the Puritans vehemently opposed.

The Puritans' Opposition to Christmas

Central to the Puritans' agenda was their disdain for Christmas, which they viewed as a blend of pagan customs and Catholic influences. For the Puritans, Christmas symbolized unnecessary revelry, feasting, and idleness, starkly opposing their ideals of solemnity and simplicity in worship.

"Christmas was seen as an unacceptable mix of pagan customs and Catholic influences," Gary notes [12:15], explaining that the Puritans rejected the arbitrary date of December 25th as biblically unjustified for celebrating Christ's birth.

Political Context and Civil War

The political landscape further deteriorated as King Charles I ruled without Parliament for 11 years, employing controversial taxation methods like ship money. This period of personal rule alienated many, including Puritan ministers, and contributed to the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642 between Royalist forces and Parliamentarians.

Gary describes how the Puritan-leaning Long Parliament became a stronghold of opposition against the monarchy, emphasizing values of hard work, thrift, and personal responsibility shared by the emerging merchant class [18:50].

Enactment of the Christmas Ban

In the midst of the Civil War, Parliament took definitive steps to suppress Christmas. In 1644, they passed ordinances declaring December 25th a day of fasting and repentance instead of celebration. This ban was further enforced in 1647 when all traditional holy days, including Christmas, were abolished in favor of a monthly fasting day.

"Fasting is not feasting and not nearly as fun," Gary remarks [22:10], underscoring the Puritans' intent to eliminate festive practices associated with the holiday.

Public Reaction and the Plum Pudding Riots

The suppression of Christmas was met with widespread discontent among the general populace, who cherished the holiday for its communal and festive traditions. Gary recounts the infamous Plum Pudding Riots in December 1647 in Canterbury, highlighting how the enforcement of the ban led to violent confrontations.

"The Lord Mayor's attempt to enforce the ban turned into chaos as goods flew through the air, and the crowd's anger transformed into a full-blown mob," Gary narrates [28:35]. The situation escalated when the mayor threatened a merchant who refused to reopen his shop, inciting further outrage and leading to his public humiliation and assault by the mob.

Wider Resistance Across England

Canterbury was not an isolated case. Gary details similar acts of defiance in other cities like London, Norwich, and Ipswich. In Norwich, church bells rang out in protest, and in Ipswich, market stalls remained closed despite governmental orders. These acts of resistance symbolized the widespread opposition to the Puritan-imposed restrictions.

"Christmas remained a cherished cultural institution that marked a time of communal joy, charity, and family gatherings," Gary emphasizes [35:20], highlighting the deep-rooted nature of the holiday in English society.

Parliament's Continued Enforcement and the Restoration

Despite the persistent resistance, Parliament intensified its anti-Christmas policies, deploying troops to restore order and distributing pamphlets denouncing the holiday as pagan and Catholic. However, these measures only fueled the desire among the populace to maintain their traditional celebrations clandestinely.

The suppression lasted until the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, when Christmas celebrations were officially reinstated. Gary draws a parallel to the Soviet Union's later attempts to ban Christmas for secular reasons, noting the enduring resilience of the holiday.

"Christmas is really hard to stamp out," Gary concludes [50:45], illustrating how both religious and non-religious forces have struggled to extinguish the celebratory spirit of Christmas throughout history.

Conclusion

Gary Arndt's exploration of the Puritan War on Christmas and the ensuing Plum Pudding Riots offers a compelling glimpse into how deeply ingrained cultural and religious traditions can resist even the most stringent attempts at suppression. This episode not only sheds light on a tumultuous period in English history but also underscores the universal and resilient nature of holiday celebrations.

Notable Quotes:

• "The conflict between Catholics and Protestants lasted generations, with monarchs flipping between faiths." — Gary Arndt [02:45]
• "No bishop, no king," — King James I during the Hampton Court Conference [05:30]
• "Christmas was seen as an unacceptable mix of pagan customs and Catholic influences." — Gary Arndt [12:15]
• "Fasting is not feasting and not nearly as fun." — Gary Arndt [22:10]
• "The Lord Mayor's attempt to enforce the ban turned into chaos as goods flew through the air, and the crowd's anger transformed into a full-blown mob." — Gary Arndt [28:35]
• "Christmas is really hard to stamp out." — Gary Arndt [50:45]

Production Credits

• Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
• Associate Producers: Benji Long and Cameron Keever

Gary also extends gratitude to Patreon supporters and invites listeners to join the Everything Everywhere Daily Facebook group and Discord server for further discussions and community engagement.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and historical narratives presented in the episode, providing a detailed overview for listeners and those interested in the intricate history of Christmas and its enduring legacy.