A Righte Merrie Christmasse: The Story of Christ-Tide

by John Ashton

"A Righte Merrie Christmasse: The Story of Christ-Tide" by John Ashton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the origins and evolution of Christmas traditions, examining its history, legends, folklore, customs, and carols that characterize the festive season. The book aims to preserve the rich heritage of the Christmas celebration, weaving together various components that contribute to the holiday's significance. The opening of the book introduces the context of Christmas celebrations and the disagreements regarding the date of Christ's birth, discussing early traditions and religious customs. Ashton presents an exploration of the historical timeline leading to the establishment of December 25th as the official celebration day, detailing how differing church practices and local customs shaped the holiday. He also begins to touch upon the impact of pagan festivals, particularly the Roman Saturnalia and Scandinavian Yule, on what we now know as Christmas. This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Christmas's transformation over the centuries, highlighting its intertwining of religious and secular traditions.