Unpacking the Influence of Popular Culture on Modern Holiday Celebrations
As we near the end of the year, we start to see traces of upcoming holidays in the various aspects of our lives such as decoration, shopping, and media. Without a doubt, the influence of popular culture has a significant effect on how we observe and celebrate many festive occasions. In this article, we explore the impact of pop culture on modern holiday celebrations.
The Beginning of it All
Popular culture played a vital role in selecting dates and practices closely associated with famous holidays. For example, Christmas has become a holiday that is celebrated by many around the world, with a well-established set of rituals. However, many of these practices, such as exchanging gifts or using a Christmas tree, have their origins in popular culture. The poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas,’ which was published in 1823, largely introduced the idea of Santa Claus, which has become an essential part of modern Christmas.
The Influence of Media
Throughout the years, media has played a massive role in shaping modern holiday celebrations. Television, movies, and music all contribute to the way holidays are perceived and celebrated. For instance, the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ which was first released in 1946, has tremendously contributed to the notion of an ‘ideal’ Christmas celebration.
Likewise, Halloween has reached unprecedented levels of popularity, mainly because of its frequent appearances in pop culture. From horror movies to spooky TV shows, our fascination with Halloween has grown. This is partly due to the ability of popular culture to make Halloween more approachable and fun instead of scary.
Commercialization and Pop Culture
It’s common for popular culture to make holidays increasingly commercialized. Take Valentine’s Day, for instance, which is often considered the world’s foremost commercialized holiday. Popular culture has made it mandatory to buy gifts for loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The mainstream media contributes to the promotion of massive marketing campaigns to urge us to share our love for partner by buying them gifts.
Similarly, Christmas has transformed into a shopping frenzy, and retailers use this time of year to maximize profits, providing discounts and other incentives to drive sales.
What it Means for Us
The influence of popular culture on modern holiday celebrations is evident, with various practices, habits, and perceptions that have sprung up as a result. Despite that, it is essential to appreciate these holidays for their historical and cultural significance and remain aware of traditions instead of primarily focusing on their commercial value.
In conclusion, while pop culture’s influence on modern holidays celebrations is evident, it is essential to understand the root of these cultural practices and appreciate the festivities’ historical and cultural significance. That way, the spirit of these holidays continues to be meaningful, bringing people together, and spreading joy and cheer.
