Christmastide of the Enslaved

Historic Rosedale’s newest Exhibit “Christmastide of the Enslaved” enlightens visitors to the realities of those enslaved individuals working on plantations during the holidays.

Throughout their three-day Christmas respite, which was standard in the South, many enslaved people engaged in festivities that included music, dancing, communal meals, and the receipt of gifts. Their holiday jubilation masked a general longing for freedom and prosperity that festered during the rest of their days. They might have appeared happy at Christmas, especially in the presence of those who kept them in bondage, but they could hardly forget the daily threats of family separation that abridged their liberty, especially during this time of year when their owners debts were to be paid.

Before and after the widespread Christianization of African captives in the American South, the enslaved Christmas festivities celebrated survival and fellowship in the face of great adversity.

The exhibit can be viewed during regularly scheduled house tours 

Schedule & Tickets

Through Tuesday, December 31 · add to calendar 2024-12-12 09:00:00 2024-12-31 17:00:00 America/New_York Christmastide of the Enslaved https://charlottecultureguide.com/event/430031/christmastide-of-the-enslaved Historic Rosedale, 3427 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28206
13-15
tickets

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