NCPI Workmark
Articles in regional publications that pertain to a wide range of North Carolina-related topics.

Old Christmas in North Carolina

Record #:
22834
Author(s):
Abstract:
Old Christmas, known as Welsh Night, occurs twelve days after Christmas because it follows the non-Gregorian calendar. As of 1991, this Christmas tradition was still practiced in Rodanthe on the Outer Banks. In this town, Old Buck, not Santa, would bring gifts to all the people. Other North Carolina traditions with this holiday included: lighting the yule log, decorating the house and lawns, and hanging stockings. In Edenton, Washington, New Bern, and Greenville, blacks called "John Koones" or "De Kooners," in particular, would dress in costumes and go around houses blowing horns and singing in wagons. If a house gave these mummers something, that house would receive good luck throughout the rest of the year.