About the book
For poets, priests, and politicians — and especially ordinary Germans — in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the image of the loving nuclear family gathered around the Christmas tree symbolized the unity of the nation at large. German Christmas was supposedly organic, a product of the winter solstice rituals of pagan “Teutonic” tribes, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and the age-old customs that defined German character. Yet, as Joe Perry argues, Germans also used these annual celebrations to contest the deepest values that held the German community together: faith, family, and love, certainly, but also civic responsibility, material prosperity, and national belonging.
This richly illustrated volume explores the invention, evolution, and politicization of Germany’s favorite national holiday. According to Perry, Christmas played a crucial role in public politics, as revealed in the militarization of “War Christmas” during World War I and World War II, the Nazification of Christmas by the Third Reich, and the political manipulation of Christmas during the Cold War. Perry offers a close analysis of the impact of consumer culture on popular celebration and the conflicts created as religious, commercial, and political authorities sought to control the holiday’s meaning. By unpacking the intimate links between domestic celebration, popular piety, consumer desires, and political ideology, Perry concludes that family festivity was central in the making and remaking of public national identities.
Editions of Christmas in Germany
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807833643
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469622132
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890883179
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893133240
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469604947
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807899410
Read an Excerpt
For poets, priests, and politicians — and especially ordinary Germans — in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the image of the loving nuclear family gathered around the Christmas tree symbolized the unity of the nation at large. German Christmas was supposedly organic, a product of the winter solstice rituals of pagan “Teutonic” tribes, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and the age-old customs that defined German character. Yet, as Joe Perry argues, Germans also used these annual celebrations to contest the deepest values that held the German community together: faith, family, and love, certainly, but also civic responsibility, material prosperity, and national belonging.
This richly illustrated volume explores the invention, evolution, and politicization of Germany’s favorite national holiday. According to Perry, Christmas played a crucial role in public politics, as revealed in the militarization of “War Christmas” during World War I and World War II, the Nazification of Christmas by the Third Reich, and the political manipulation of Christmas during the Cold War. Perry offers a close analysis of the impact of consumer culture on popular celebration and the conflicts created as religious, commercial, and political authorities sought to control the holiday’s meaning. By unpacking the intimate links between domestic celebration, popular piety, consumer desires, and political ideology, Perry concludes that family festivity was central in the making and remaking of public national identities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christmas in Germany about?
For poets, priests, and politicians — and especially ordinary Germans — in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the image of the loving nuclear family gathered around the Christmas tree symbolized the unity of the nation at large. German Christmas was supposedly organic, a product of the winter solstice rituals of pagan “Teutonic” tribes, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and the age-old customs that defined German character. Yet, as Joe Perry argues, Germans also used these annual celebrations to contest the deepest values that held the German community together: faith, family, and love, certainly, but also civic responsibility, material prosperity, and national belonging.
This richly illustrated volume explores the invention, evolution, and politicization of Germany’s favorite national holiday. According to Perry, Christmas played a crucial role in public politics, as revealed in the militarization of “War Christmas” during World War I and World War II, the Nazification of Christmas by the Third Reich, and the political manipulation of Christmas during the Cold War. Perry offers a close analysis of the impact of consumer culture on popular celebration and the conflicts created as religious, commercial, and political authorities sought to control the holiday’s meaning. By unpacking the intimate links between domestic celebration, popular piety, consumer desires, and political ideology, Perry concludes that family festivity was central in the making and remaking of public national identities.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Christmas in Germany?
History and Archaeology > History > European history
Where can I read a sample of Christmas in Germany?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807833643
How long is Christmas in Germany and how many pages does it have?
Christmas in Germany has 416 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Christmas in Germany?
Joe Perry
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Christmas in Germany is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807833643) and paperback(ISBN 9781469622132) and ebook(ISBN 9798890883179) and ebook(ISBN 9798893133240) and ebook(ISBN 9781469604947) and ebook(ISBN 9780807899410)
Where can I buy Christmas in Germany online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Christmas in Germany?