Today is Eastern Orthodox Christmas Day (7 Jan)

The Adoration of the Shepherds (Gerard van Honthorst 1590–1656)
Image: Public Domain (Wikipedia)

Most Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on 7 January as they follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian for liturgical feasts and occasions such as Christmas. When Pope Gregory XIII proclaimed it in a Papal Bull in 1582 proclaiming the new calendar, it took a long while for it to be full implemented (over 300 years). Some of it was due to countries being Protestant and not wanting to adopt a calendar proclaimed by a pope. Other reasons include local customs and traditions, and in some cases, governments just being slow to implement a major change (it meant resetting the calendar back 13 days when implemented). No one doubted the accuracy of the new calendar as it corrected the problems of the old Julian.

For Eastern Orthodox, it was a bit more complicated. First it was not exactly welcomed by the Eastern Orthodox bishops that the new calendar was issued by Pope Gregory XIII. It came with some additional items that Eastern Orthodox bishops did not agree with. In the end, it was decided while they had no problems with the calendar itself, the additional items Pope Gregory attached to his Papal Bull, they had to reject it. In 1923 the Congress of Constantinople attempted to correct it with a Revised Julian Calendar. This calendar synchronized with the Gregorian for nearly all the important dates (except Easter). The Orthodox Churches of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria accepted this. However, the Orthodox Churches of Jerusalem, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Georgia rejected it. Easter poses a problem as well due to its calculations. The Revised Julian Calendar churches follow a different formula for Easter which all of the Eastern Orthodox churches that follow the Julian reject.

For Further Information

Christmas Worldwide, “Eastern Orthodox Christmas: Celebrations in Russia, Greece, and Ukraine – Christmas Worldwide,” Christmas Worldwide, last modified October 18, 2024, https://christmases.net/eastern-orthodox-christmas-celebrations-in-russia-greece-and-ukraine/.

“A Papal Calendar?,” Orthodox Church in America, last modified January 3, 2017, https://www.oca.org/reflections/fr.-lawrence-farley/a-papal-calendar.

“Explanation of the Julian Calendar,” St Andrew Fool for Christ Orthodox Church, https://www.standrewfoolforchrist.org/explanation-of-the-julian-calendar.html.

“Church Calendar – OrthodoxWiki,” https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Calendar.

“Revised Julian Calendar – OrthodoxWiki,” https://orthodoxwiki.org/Revised_Julian_Calendar.

Today is Epiphany Sunday (Three Kings Day)

Wise Men Adoration
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo ((1617–1682)
Toledo Museum of Art
Public Domain

 

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. (Matthew 2:2)

Epiphany Sunday in most Christian liturgical calendars is celebrated on the nearest Sunday prior to 6 January, the traditional date of the solemnity. On the Roman Catholic church calendar, it was always celebrated on that date (twelve days after the birth of Jesus) to commemorate the arrival of the Magi as noted in both Luke and Matthew. Protestant denominations generally kept this observance (except the strictest ones such as Puritans) as the arrival of the Magi reveals to the world the birth of the savior. The Catholic church moved the solemnity in 1970 to be observed on the first Sunday after the new year, so it is no longer celebrated on 6 January.

The observance goes back to the third century when church leaders established Epiphany to recognize the birth, baptism, the arrival of the Magi, and the first miracle in Cana. This celebration predates the observance of Jesus’ birth as that was not yet observed. That would begin in the fourth century when Advent and Christmas would begin to be observed. The importance of celebrating Epiphany is to have Christians reflect on the gifts brought by the Magi, how those gifts revealed the world to Jesus, and the gifts that Jesus has for each and every one of us.

Adoration of the Magi
El Greco (1541–1614)
Museo Soumaya at Plaza Carso
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

In older times, 6 January was considered the Twelfth Day of Christmas and marked the end of the season. Usually there would be a feast, and decorations would begin to be taken down. However, changes in church calendars have altered that. Only the Eastern Orthodox church celebrates the actual day (but since they use the Julian calendar it occurs on 19 January). However, many of the traditions around it still continue to be observed. In some countries, putting the names of the Magi on house doors is common. Others celebrate with special cakes or processions (Dia de los Reyes) with parades and gifts for children. La Befana, the Christmas Witch, has the kids in Italy waiting for the morning with gifts and candy from her. France has special cake, Galette des Rois, with the figure of baby Jesus inside it to be found by a lucky person. And many Spanish speaking countries (and localities) have Los Reyes Magos festivities and gifts for kids as well. So, the day is a festive one for many people. And a nice way to wind down the Christmas season

For Further Reading

Jessica Van Roekel, “What Is Epiphany? Bible Meaning and Holiday Traditions,” Christianity.Com, last modified December 30, 2024, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/is-epiphany-three-kings-day-a-biblical-holiday.html.

Catholic Answers, “Epiphany 2025 | Catholic Answers Guide,” Catholic Answers, last modified December 11, 2024, https://www.catholic.com/tract/epiphany-2025-catholic-answers-guide.

Msgr. Charles Pope, “Like the Magi, May We Seek Out Christ,” NCR, January 2, 2025, https://www.ncregister.com/features/2024-epiphany-sunday-guide.

Marta Correale, “La Befana: All You Need to Know About Italy’S Most Beloved Witch (With Coloring Sheet for Kids) | Mama,” Mama Loves Italy, December 16, 2024, https://mamalovesitaly.com/la-befana-italy-christmas-witch/.

Greek News Agenda, “Theophania: The Greek Orthodox Feast of Epiphany,” Greek News Agenda, last modified December 11, 2024, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/theophania/.

Suggested Reading

Dwight Longenecker, Mystery of the Magi: The Quest to Identify the Three Wise Men, Hardcover. (Regenery, 2021).

Rick Steves and Valerie Griffith, Rick Steves’ European Christmas (Rick Steves, 2013).

Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives (National Geographic Books, 2012).

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

 

Titanic News for the New Year

If you have the time and place for it, you can make a room to resemble a Titanic cabin. And a Titanic enthusiast in England did just that. He turned his shed into a cabin from the famous ship. He got paneling and other items from Olympic and it really is quite remarkable to see. This is really well done and worth watching the short video.

Screen Capture from BBC

“Derbyshire Man Turns Shed Into Replica of Titanic Cabin.” Video, n.d. https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c2kx4lyv210o.

=

Intricate Detail Medals Given To Carpathia Crew

There’s a wonderful level of detail to the medals which were awarded to the crew of the Titanic rescue ship Carpathia. Most crew members got a bronze one of which this is one but it seems it was later gilded. The story goes that Amy Quayle, the stewardess it was awarded to, fell on hard times, left the medal at a pawnbroker’s shop and never returned for it.

“Intricate Detail in Original Carpathia Medal: Titanic Rescuer’s Medal Was Left at Pawnshop,” Encyclopedia Titanica, last modified December 25, 2024, accessed January 2, 2025, https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/intricate-detail-origianal-carpathia-medal.html.

=

J. Bruce Ismay, president of White Star Line (1912) Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
J. Bruce Ismay, president of White Star Line (1912)
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Childhood Home Of J. Bruce Ismay Has Rooms Available To Rent

The house where J. Bruce Ismay spent his childhood (bought by his father Thomas Ismay who founded the line) was in private hands until 2022. The house, near the Mersey River in Waterloo borough, is Grade II-listed house (meaning it has historical and/or architectural significance) now is open to the public. The Beach Lawn House & Ismay Suites (it overlooks Crosby beach, so it has great views of the river) now has its rooms for rent for those who want to experience living in such a house. They advertise on their website:

One or more of our fully serviced suites will suit your living requirements. One thing is certain: whichever one of our suites you choose from, it will feature all the comforts you would expect to find in a home – state of the art facilities, sumptuous furnishings, elegant interior design, beautiful surroundings, spacious living areas and convenient travel connections along with having a personal host who can arrange things like groceries for your room or dry cleaning and a laundry service.

One can surmise this will cost quite a lot of guineas in the old British currency.

Now this is not the central part of this story. It seems a distant relation of J. Bruce Ismay, Clifford Ismay (Thomas Ismay’s fourth cousin, twice removed) stayed there in 2023 and relates a spooky occurrence. This story was posted on 25 Dec 2024 so not sure if there was a tie-in to A Christmas Carol. At any rate he woke up early in the morning to the smell old pipe tobacco. Then later when he toured a room, now occupied by a long-term tenant and once Thomas’ bedroom, and opened a cabinet where he could smell tobacco. I will leave it to others to draw their own conclusions about this. Clifford is certain that something supernatural occurred.

Whatever you may think of the story, the house that Thomas Ismay purchased for £2,500 is certainly quite lovely and well situated. It is not a hotel but a posh living place for those who have the money to afford it.

McMullin, Kate. “‘I Stayed at “Titanic” Mansion and Something Strange Woke Me Up.’” Liverpool Echo. Last modified December 25, 2024. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/gallery/i-spent-night-titanic-mansion-30647839.

=

Lump of Coal Sells for £1,500 in Cornish Auction

“Certificate of Origin: This coal was recovered from the wreck of R.M.S. Titanic during the 1994 Titanic Research and Recovery Expedition. Object No. 94/0036. Authenticated by the signature of President, RMS Titanic, Inc.; Captain, IFREMER.” Exhibited at the National Shipwreck Museum in Charlestown, Cornwall, South West England. [This is the coal up for auction.]
Image: Ben Sutherland via Wikimedia Commons. Posted originally on Flickr.

A small lump of coal recovered from the Titanic wreck is one of hundreds of pieces of shipwreck memorabilia that went under the hammer last week – with that item in particular selling for £1,500 ($1,856). Some of the lots sold for much more with model ships going for thousands of pounds after the collection from Charlestown Shipwreck Museum, near St Austell, went up for auction with the building itself still for sale. Auctioneer David Lay said he had never seen a sale like it with thousands of bids coming in from all over the world.

Letcher, Lisa. “Lump of Coal Sells for £1,500 in Cornish Auction.” Cornwall Live. Last modified November 11, 2024. https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/lump-coal-sells-1500-charlestown-9705029.

Suggested Reading

Behe, G. (2012). On board RMS Titanic: Memories of the Maiden Voyage. The History Press.

Brewster, H. (2013). Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage: The Titanic’s First-Class Passengers and Their World. National Geographic Books.

Lord, Walter, A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, Holt Rinehart and Winston, New York, New York, 1955. Multiple revisions and reprints, notably Illustrated editions (1976,1977,1978 etc.)

Lord, Walter, THE NIGHT LIVES ON, Willian Morrow and Company, New York, New York, 1986 (First Edition)

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Welcome to January

Photo of Head of Janus
Vatican Museum, Rome
Source: Loudon Dodd (via Wikimedia)

January is the first month on the Gregorian and the Julian calendar. It is named after the Roman god of doors, Janus, as this month is a doorway into the new year. Janus is an interesting Roman god as he is two-faced. Thus, he can see both the future and the past. In January, you can see the previous year and view the upcoming one. The old Roman calendar ended in December and did not start up till March. This was changed later with the addition of January to replace March but was made official when the Julian calendar was adopted in 8 BC. The new Julian calendar used the solar cycle rather than the lunar making it more accurate. Unfortunately, its creator Sosigenes, an Alexandrian astronomer who helped create the Egyptian solar calendar, made a small mathematical error of 11 minutes and 14 seconds. Small but significant as the calendar started going out of sync with the solar cycle over time making it hard to use for holy days that required a precise measurement in order to be done at the correct date and time.

Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry Folio 1, verso: January
Part of Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry by Limbourg brothers (fl. 1402–1416)
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

This became apparent by the Middle Ages and calls for it to be resolved became more urgent. It was no longer minutes but by then 10 days. This would ultimately result in the Gregorian Calendar (named for Pope Gregory XIII) that was adopted in 1548 by the Catholic church and the Papal States. This resolved the major problem regarding the scheduling of Easter. Since however this was a civic reform, it was up to each nation to decide whether to implement or not. It would gradually be adopted by many countries. Spain was the first to switch over and that included much of Roman Catholic Europe. Protestant countries were not keen on changing right away since the reform was made by the Catholic Church. The British would adopt it 1750 but by a method to avoid saying it was from the Catholic Church. Sweden adopted in 1753. Turkey would switch to using the fiscal year as Gregorian in 1917 and then for the entire calendar in 1926. Russia, under the Communist government, changed in 1918. Greece would change in 1923. Saudi Arabia would formally adopt it in 2016. The change between calendars was startling at first. You might be in November and suddenly thirteen days back in October!

Eastern Orthodox denominations decided for religious purposes to use the Julian rather than Gregorian for their liturgical year (separate from the civic calendar). Which is why in countries  like Greece or Russia the celebration of Christmas and Easter is currently 13 days after it is celebrated elsewhere.

For Further Information

Amy Tikkanen, “Why Does the New Year Start on January 1?,” Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-the-new-year-start-on-january-1.

“The Month of January,” https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/january.html.

Catherine Boeckmann, “The Month of January 2025: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore,” Almanac.Com, last modified January 2, 2025, https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore.

Remembering Thomas Becket, Saint and Martyr (29 Dec 1170)

Earliest known portrayal of Thomas Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral.
circa 1200
PD-US-expired, PD-UK and other countries where authors life and set years have expired.
Source: British Library via Wikimedia Commons

On December 29 1170, Thomas Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in front of the altar by four knights in Canterbury Cathedral.

Becket had been a successful chancellor for King Henry II and had helped him consolidate his power even if went against the church. Well liked and respected, Becket served the king well earning his complete trust. When the Archbishop of Canterbury died, King Henry decided to put Becket in that spot so he could have more control of the church. Appointing him in 1162, he expected Becket to faithfully continue what Henry wanted. Except that is not what happened at all,

Becket though underwent a transformation and switched his allegiance to the church. He adopted an ascetic lifestyle and lived humbly despite being in the most powerful bishopric in England. King Henry and Becket starting clashing over many issues. Finally when the king demanded Becket sign the Constitutions of Clarendon in 1164 to extend his control over the church, Becket refused and left England and went to France. He returned in 1170 after a reconciliation had been worked out. Two bishops who had sided with Henry had been excommunicated refused to rejoin unless they supported the church over Henry. The bishops complained to Henry, who was in France at the time, who uttered words that suggested he wanted him dead. Four knights took this as an order and sailed to England.

There they murdered Becket on the altar stairs just as evening mass was starting. This shocking event caused outrage and horror. King Henry went on a 40 day fast. Pope Alexander III proclaimed him a saint two years later. King Henry II walked barefoot to his tomb as penance and was forgiven by the church. His tomb became a popular spot for pilgrims to visit until King Henry VIII destroyed it. When he was reburied in the new tomb that was subsequently destroyed, many of his bones were sent to other churches as relics. They were returned in 2016 to the cathedral in which he died in.

His feast day of December 29 is celebrated on both Anglican and Catholic calendars. He is the saint of secular clergy.

What Happened to the Four Knights who killed Becket?

The four knights-Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, and Richard le Breton- heard King Henry II utter words they interpreted as meaning he wanted Becket dead. After killing Becket. The assassins fled north to de Morville’s castle and stayed there about a year. He owned property in Cumbria and this have been used as well. They may have been preparing to go into Scotland as well. King Henry II did not confiscate their lands and let the church deal with them. Pope Alexander excommunicated all four which for all intents and purposes meant they were unwelcome anywhere in Christian Europe.

The knights appealed to King Henry for help; he declined. Deciding to seek penance for their actions, the four knights went to Rome and met with Pope Alexander. He accepted their contrition and as penance ordered them to serve 14 years as knights in the Holy Lands. This inspired the creation of the Knights of St. Thomas, a purely all English order of knights that would serve in the Holy Land. After internal disputes much later (and the loss of the Holy Lands), the order focused on charitable work and ran a school. It was dissolved in 1538 by King Henry VIII as part of his order dissolving all religious orders in England.

 

Sources:

Knowles, Michael David. “Saint Thomas Becket | Biography, Facts, Death, Patron Saint of, and Significance.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Dec. 2023, www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Thomas-Becket.

“St. Thomas Becket – Saints and Angels – Catholic Online.” Catholic Online, www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=12.

“Archbishop Thomas Becket Is Murdered.” HISTORY, 9 Feb. 2010, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-making-of-an-english-martyr.

 

Holy Innocents and Titanic News

Massacre of the Innocents
Matteo di Giovanni (1435–1495)
Public Domain

Today is the feast of the Holy Innocents (28 December) which commemorates the children killed in Bethlehem by Herod. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi had promised to return to Herod to inform him about the messiah. However, they were warned not to return in a dream. Herod ordered the killing of all male infants ages 2 and under. Joseph was told in a dream to take Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt to wait until Herod was dead. This particular story is only recounted in Matthew and not in Luke leading many to doubt it occurred. However, considering how Herod ruthlessly killed those that opposed him, it would not be out of character either. Executions were common back then, so it probably was of little note in a sea of tribulation. The Feast of the Holy Innocents was observed as far back as 485 AD and most Christian denominations observe it. Although it is a somber observance, many Spanish speaking countries celebrate Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) but in a more light-hearted manner. It is similar to April Fools’ Day where harmless pranks and jokes are done. Forgiveness is offered by the victims to the prankers (in Spanish innocent often means naïve, though that can vary in different countries).

Now for some Titanic news. A few days before the Christmas holiday, it was announced that Spanish government owned Navantia has concluded a deal to acquire Harland & Wolff. While the exact terms were not disclosed yet, they include the four shipyards (Belfast, Arnish and Methil in Scotland, and Appledore in southwest England) and will save 1,000 jobs. The U.K. Royal Navy contract will continue but some terms have been renegotiated. Also the U.K. is providing financial support was well but the exact amount is undisclosed.

Black, Harry. “Titanic Shipbuilder to Be Bailed Out With Extra Taxpayers’ Money.” The Times, December 19, 2024. https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/titanic-shipbuilder-to-be-bailed-out-with-extra-taxpayers-money-xnq9k2dnh.

The recent auction of the Rostron watch by Henry Aldridge & Son broke a record with the highest amount paid at £1.56m ($1.96m). The 18-carat gold watch was presented to Captain Rostron by some of the survivors who were rescued by him in April 1912. The November auction left many wondering who the buyer was since it was done anonymously. However, it has now been disclosed that the purchaser was none other than Tiffany & Co, the luxury jeweler who originally made the watch back in 1912. “Captain Rostron’s pocket watch is an incredible expression of thanks and gratitude, and we are humbled to welcome this extraordinary treasure home to Tiffany & Co,” said Christopher Young who is the retailer’s vice president of creative visual merchandising, events, and the Tiffany Archives. The watch will go on display at LVMH Watch Week in Miami on 28 Jan-1 Feb. The watch will also go on display at special events and at Tiffany locations as well.

National Jeweler. “Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.” Nationaljeweler.Com. https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/13503-historic-titanic-pocket-watch-winds-its-way-back-to-tiffany-co

Exhibition Returns to Dallas

After many years away, Titanic: The Exhibition returns to Dallas on 14 February 2025 at Pepper Square. According to Tom Zaller, president and CEO of Imagine which holds this exhibition,: “Titanic has been a part of my life since the late 90’s when I had the incredible opportunity to dive to the wreck site, and since that firsthand experience, I’ve presented hundreds of exhibitions about the ship, her people and her stories.”

Murray, Lance. “Titanic Exhibition Returns to Dallas With Artifacts, Ship Re-Creations, and More.” Dallas Innovates. Last modified December 19, 2024. https://dallasinnovates.com/titanic-exhibition-returns-to-dallas-with-artifacts-ship-re-creations-and-more/.

To salvage or not to salvage is still a question to be determined by RMS Titanic, Inc. Their most recent journey to the wreck didn’t include removing anything from the wreck, but they are reserving the right to do so down the road say various news reports. However, while they don’t plan to salvage the wreck in 2025, they are not closing off not doing it later. This puts them into potential conflict with the U.S. government which had argued salvage was not permitted by treaty and U.S. law. While that issue was not litigated, it will surely come back if and when the company decides to retrieve artifacts from inside the wreck.

For the moment, the company has no plans to salvage from the wreck. There are those who are planning to restart tourist dives to Titanic, but nothing has been announced yet regarding those ventures for 2025.

BEN FINLEY Associated Press and ABC News. “The Last Titanic Salvage Expedition Was in 2010. Will There Be Any More?” ABC News. Last modified December 12, 2024. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/titanic-salvage-expedition-2010-116746197

Today is Saint Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day U.K.)

Saint Stephen by Carlo Crivelli (1476)
Source: National Gallery, London via Wikimedia Commons.
Public Domain in UK and US; may be restricted in other countries.

If you remember the Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas , you heard the name. Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian church who was accused of blasphemy and put on trial by Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. After a trial in which he denounced them, Stephen was stoned to death. One of the witnesses to the event was Saul of Tarsus, who later converted and is known today as the apostle Saint Paul. Stephen is considered the first martyr for the faith, the reason his feast day immediately follows the celebration of Jesus birth. All the major Christian congregations–Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox–all venerate him as a Saint and celebrate the feast day (Western churches on 26 December, 27 Dec Orthodox, and 8 Jan Oriental Orthodox). In some countries (mainly Western Europe) it is a public holiday.

In the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand it is celebrated as Boxing Day, a secular holiday that falls on the same day as Feast of Stephen. Traditionally it is the day in which servants and tradespeople receive the “Christmas box” from their employers. While that tradition may still hold true, it is either a second Christmas day for some or an extra shopping day (though in some countries it apparently is a day when a lot of returns to retailers takes place). It is also a major sports day as well.

If you are in Italy, it is treated like a second Christmas Day but with a difference.  Christmas Day is home with family and streets are mostly empty (and nearly everything is closed except for some restaurants and  parafarmacies (pharmacies). December 26th is il giorno di Santo Stefano and a major day for Italians. They go out to eat at restaurants with family and friends. The streets are teeming with people often to see the Presepe (Nativity scene) in their local church or perhaps to see many of them in different churches. Donations to the church usually are made as well. Processions to Santo Stefano take place in many cities and towns. And there are many local traditions as well. Also many seek out the living Nativity scenes as well..

Further Information

“CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Stephen,” http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14286b.htm.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “St. Stephen | Patron Saint of, Death, Martyr, & Facts,” Encyclopedia Britannica, last modified December 10, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Stephen.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Boxing Day | Definition, Meaning, Traditions, Activities, & Facts,” Encyclopedia Britannica, last modified December 25, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Boxing-Day.

 

Shop for Christmas Holiday Movies on Amazon
(As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Washington Crosses Delaware in Surprise Attack (Dec 25-26, 1776)

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze (1816–1868)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

By the winter of 1776, things looked bleak for the patriots fighting the British. They had suffered a string of defeats (New York and other places) that sapped the morale of many patriots. General George Washington’s leadership was being questioned by some leaders, and there was a general feeling that British were going to win unless things changed. The British by this time were of the opinion they were succeeding, though they found the Americans could put up a good fight. With winter upon them, the war paused as normally European armies did not fight during this time. Hessian troops, paid mercenaries hired by the British, were skilled professional soldiers raised nearly from birth to fight. A Hessian force was quartering in Trenton, New Jersey for the winter. General Washington decided to go on the offensive to win a battle and raise the morale of the troops who were suffering through the cold winter.

On the night of December 25, 1776, his army began moving across the Delaware River. The group led by Washington, 2,400 strong, made it to the other side but the other two divisions that made of 3,000 men did not get across at the right time. The Hessians had spent Christmas Day relaxing, eating, and drinking and did not believe the Americans were a threat. They had in fact dismissed warnings the Americans might attack. So, they were unprepared for what happened on December 26.  At 8 am, Washington attacked with two columns. By 9:30 am, the German defenses had crumbled, and the town was surrounded. While many Hessians did escape, they did capture several hundred and only lost four lives in the process. Unfortunately, since most of his troops had failed to cross, Washington was without any additional men or artillery to hold Trenton. He was forced to withdraw.

It was a minor battle that had no real strategic impact. The news of the successful attack though raised American colonialists’ spirits.  The initiative shown by Washington showed the Continental Army was capable of victory.

Sources:

Missy Sullivan, “George Washington Crosses the Delaware,” HISTORY, December 21, 2023, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/washington-crosses-the-delaware.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, “Crossing of the Delaware,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/crossing-of-the-delaware.

“National Museum of the United States Army,” https://www.thenmusa.org/articles/crossing-the-delaware/.

 

Merry Christmas!

Titanic News Channel wishes everyone a blessed and joyous Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!

 

The Adoration of the Shepherds (Gerard van Honthorst 1590–1656)
Image: Public Domain (Wikipedia)

….And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!” (Dickens, A Christmas Carol)

 

Titanic, historic ship, and general history news.