Figure 1.--This American portrit is unidentified other than it was taken in Hollywood. It looks to have been taken in the 1920s. The children look to be in their First Communion outfits. Here we are a little confused because of their difference in age. This suggests that some parents at thetime tried to have their children do First Communion at the same time. White suits for boys became more common in the 1920s. |
Most religions or shared by mamy differnt countries. Christianity, Islam, Budiaism are practiced in many diffeent counties. While the same religion, practices often vay among different coutries. One factor is the devlopment of competing denominations of the same religion. The importance of these different denominaions often varies from country to country. Some religions are more associated with one or a small number of countries like Hibuism (India) and Judiism (Israel). Many religions are practiced as minority religions, although there are differences in religious toleration for minority religions from country to country. These differences arrise from both civil authorities and majority rligious leaders. Christianity has been generally intolerannt of other religions. Riots and pogroms as well as organized supression like the Spanish inquisition or expelling the adherents of different faiths mar the history of Christianity. In the 20th century became more tolerant. Islam on the other hand, once relatively tolerant of other religion, has become increasing less tolerant in the 20th century.
First Communion was a particularly important event in the lives of many immigrant American families, especially Irish and Italian communities. New suits were often purchased for the occasion. Sometimes but not always the suits were white symbolizing the purity of the children. It was much more common to buy white dresses for the girls than white suits for the boys. Irish and Italian mothers were more likely to insist on white suits. The suits through the 1940s were often short pants suits, but since the 1940s they are more likely to be white. The purchase of a new suit, especially a white suit, just for first communion has gradually passed out of fashion, cost being the primary factor especially as a white suit has few other uses. Now boys in many places simply wear white shirts. Girls still often are outfitted in dresses purchased just for the occassion. A Maerican reader has des described his experiences as an altar boy. We note a candle compamy in 1915 that pit altar boys on their promptional calandars.
Austrians are mostly Catholics. Boys of course dress up to go to
church. Often new suits are bought for First Communion,
Confirmation, and Firmung.
Henry VIII brought the Reformation to England. This was not his intention. He simply wanted to control the Church. His children Edward VI and Elizabeth II would turn Britain into a Protestant country. There remained a small and supressed Catholic minority. Over time this was increased with immigration from Ireland. Theology was a much disputed subject that was not fully resolved until the English Civil War and Glorious Revolution of the 17th century. While the Church of England is a Protestant Church, it retained more of Catholic liturgy than other Protestant Churches. The Church continued the traditions of altar boys. The Chirch of England in the 19th revived the tradition of boy choirs at the great cathedrals. We note children doing Forst Communions. We think these were Catholic children, but have little information at this time.
France is a largely Roman Catholic country. Protesant groups have been severely persevuted in France. Since the Revolution there has been religious freedom.
After World War II, migrants from North Africa have added Islam to France's important religious groups. Religion has palyed a major role in France's history and
the lives of its people. The importance of religion and school attendance has declined significantly in France. Even so so, religion isstull an important force in France,
especially in the lives of children. Many French boys have served as altar boys. The Church has been the primary force behind the organization of boys choirs. The
Church has also palyed a key role in French education. Most French boys have a Forst Communion which is a major event in their lives. Important French holiday
are religious festivals, including the most important for children--Christmas
Germany is a predominantly Protestant country. The Reformation was born in Germany with Marin Luther posting his "95 Thesis. The resulting religious wars devestated Germany, especially the 30 Years War. Luthernism is the primary Protestant denomination. There is, however, a very sunstantial Catholic minority, especially in southern Germany. German
boys wear a variety of dress outfits for relious events ceremonies associated with formal religious events. Catholic boys often have special suits for first communion or serve as altar boys. Protestant boys may get new suits for communion or confirmation. Boys may also have costumes for weddings, serving either as the ring bearer or ushers.
Religion is not as important in Japan as it is in many other countries. Most Japanese people are not deeply committed to religion. Normally religious observation occurs only for occassional ceremonies such as (birth, weddings, and funerals). Japanese families may visit a shrine or temple on New Year and participates at local festivals (matsuri), most of which have religious origins. Shinto and Buddhism are the two major religions. These two religions have co-existing in Japan for centuries. Unlike religions in other countries, these two religions seem to have complemented each other. Most Japanese people will identify themselves as Buddhist or Shintoist. Some will say they are both. Japan's over its history has been influenced by several religions. Shinto is the one religion that has been a part of Japanese culture since recorded history. Buddhism came later and arrived in the 6th century AD. Buddhism seems to have had an impact on Shinto practices as Shinto has influenced Buddhist beliefs. This interaction can be seen, for example, in honji suijaku, in which shinto kami came to be seen as the incarnations of Buddhist deities. Japan has also been influenced by Confucianism and Taosim. Although not conquered by The Chinese, Japan was significantly influenced by Chinese culture. Confucianism in particular affected ethical and political philosophy. The influence of Taoism can be seen in the use of the Chinese calendar and fortune-tellers. Christianity spread with the arrival of European traders in the 16th century. It was supressed, but appeared again with the 19th century opening to the west. Assessing the impact of religion is very complicated. One easily obserable imapct is aesthetics, especially the graceful Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
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