Further to the previous post about Canada issuing the world's first Christmas stamp, I found it put in a far more interesting way, HERE.
This article explains how it came to be - and why.
Canada did not issue another Christmas postage stamp until the 1960's. I'm not sure why, but 62 years is a long time between Christmas stamps.
First Christmas Stamp Was Released Right Here in Canada
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| World's 1st Christmas Stamp |
Yes folks, that's right. We released the first Christmas postage stamp back in 1898. Personally, I'm pretty proud that we can boast that fact.
According to Wikipedia, it was a mistake. It was originally intended to be released November 9th to honour the Prince of Wales. Apparently, Queen Victoria's reaction to the idea was not favourable. The release date (and subsequent title) was changed, thereby making it the first issued Christmas stamp. I'm not sure if you can read the "XMAS 1898" on the bottom or not.
Regardless of how it came to be, Canadians did it. I can live with that.
According to Wikipedia, it was a mistake. It was originally intended to be released November 9th to honour the Prince of Wales. Apparently, Queen Victoria's reaction to the idea was not favourable. The release date (and subsequent title) was changed, thereby making it the first issued Christmas stamp. I'm not sure if you can read the "XMAS 1898" on the bottom or not.
Regardless of how it came to be, Canadians did it. I can live with that.
The First Christmas in Canada
The first recorded Christmas in Canada was in 1535, near what is now known as the City of Quebec.Jacques Carier and one hundred and ten settlers came to our beautiful country the previous summer by ship, building themselves a fortress on the shores of the St. Charles River. Their newly constructed lodgings would not protect them well in our Canadian winter, however. Inexperience in preparing for our harsh climate was also to play a part in the challenges they would face.
By the time Christmas rolled around, they had lost men to cold, were suffering from scurvy and were wary of the Native inhabitants. All was not lost for the holiday, though. Chief Donnacona regaled the settlers with adventurous tales and there was some food still, though it consisted mainly of salt meat and wilted vegetables.
I found this to be an interesting story, one that I had not come across before. The website that I found it on credits it to the Montreal Star. I can’t say if that’s true or not. There is no author name for contact.
If you would like to read the details of the first Christmas in Canada, click HERE.***
*** Update, 2012 - sorry, folks but the link no longer works.
Christmas Comes to Nunavut
I came across a website today called the Nunatsiaq News. It's based in Nunavut and I'm sure it's probably a very good e-paper. I was after Christmas stories today, though, not the current affairs of our neighbours to the far north.
What I found on the Nunatsiaq News site, was the story of how Christmas was introduced to the Inuits by missionairies, and also how today's celebrations are vastly different than even a few decades ago.
It's a great, interesting little account of the beginning, the evolution and changes, and where the Inuits are now in regards to celebrating the Christmas season. It also speaks to the sad passing of some traditions that have never returned.
To read this lovely Christmas story, click HERE.
What I found on the Nunatsiaq News site, was the story of how Christmas was introduced to the Inuits by missionairies, and also how today's celebrations are vastly different than even a few decades ago.
It's a great, interesting little account of the beginning, the evolution and changes, and where the Inuits are now in regards to celebrating the Christmas season. It also speaks to the sad passing of some traditions that have never returned.
To read this lovely Christmas story, click HERE.
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