Category: Public Events & Celebrations, Holidays
Historical Items Showing 3 of 230 View All
Contributed by: Hubbard Free Library
Date: circa 1899
Media: Photographic print
Contributed by: Maine Historical Society
Media: Photo negative
Santa Claus and evergreens have been common December additions to homes, schools, businesses, and other public places to America since the mid nineteenth century. They are two symbols of the Christian holiday of Christmas whose origins are unrelated to the religious meaning of the day.
Cultures from the ancient Greeks and Chinese to contemporary societies have set aside time to give thanks, especially for the harvest. In 1941, the United States set a permanent date for the observance.
Christmas, a Christian holiday observed by many Mainers, has a very public, seasonal face that makes it visible to those of all beliefs.