Christmas in Hawaii Mary Dominis
mary dominis credited starting christmas tree , santa claus traditions in hawaii. christmas in hawaii had been introduced american protestant missionaries arrived in islands in 1820. however, celebrations never consistent or officially sanctioned until 1850s since puritanic origin of new england missionaries disapproved of non-canonical holiday. during reign of king kamehameha iv , consort queen emma of hawaii, christmas tradition received greater support under influence of newly established anglican church of hawaii. on christmas eve of 1858, mary dominis invited children of honolulu , parents washington place celebrate holiday. party, featuring first appearance of christmas tree , santa claus in hawaii, received significant coverage in local hawaiian newspapers: pacific commercial advertiser, polynesian , friend. advertiser reported:
christmas passed off in old fashioned style. eve ushered in assemblage of large number of children , parents @ washington place, mansion of mrs. dominis, santa claus had given out hold court...a magnificent christmas tree had been provided...and little folks gathered it...found lighted candles, , branches bending weight of gifts. prompt old father time ever was, bells heard @ windows...and in moment old santa claus stood @ door before youthful group, greeted him volley of merry shouts. dressed in garb in children love imagine saintly old elf...for hour bestowed gifts princely lavishness among 100 children present, creating 1 of happiest groups ever witnessed in honolulu...who long continue talk of santa claus of washington place.
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