Multiple Christenings 25 December 1823 Holme

[FENBOY]

I have found 8 children christened on 25 Dec 1823 at Holme Hunts ( Cambs / Northants) Catharine  Henry Charlotte Robert George Joseph Christiana and Sarah. All children of John and Sarah Stokes. Is it possible to find their various DOB? I think Charlotte was born 1816 as she died in 1842 aged 26. Henry could be 1813. Robert might be 1823. Sarah and Joseph etc - I have no idea. Why so many multiple Christenings on Christmas Day?

[rosie99]

Why so many multiple Christenings on Christmas Day?

Probably because it was one of the few days the man of the house had off work 

[emeltom]

Reduced price for a job lot?

Emeltom

[stanmapstone]

Reduced price for a job lot?

Emeltom

The Church of England has never charged fees for Baptisms, (unlike weddings and funerals) and does not do so now, unless a 'certificate of baptism' is required, and even then I would expect that most churches (like mine) would forego any charge. The only time official fees have been charged was when there were duties on Register entries imposed for five years 1694-8 by William III.
Individual incumbents may have expected a fee where there was an ancient custom to that effect, but as a baptism is the initiation into the Christian Church then people would be encouraged to have it done, and not be put off by being charged a fee.

Stan

[Milliepede]

There's a burial for Christiana Stokes 6 Nov 1826 age 5 so born c1821.

Joseph possibly 1819, family tree has his death in 1903 Australia, and a daughter born at sea in 1849 so that narrows it down when he left!

Lots of weddings took place on Christmas Day too. 

[stanmapstone]

There is a whole RootsChat topic on Christmas Day Weddings
See http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=705093.msg5482173#msg5482173

Stan

[FENBOY]

Thanks Millepede and Stan. Joseph 1819 looks right and Catharine in 1841 gives 1822-26. I can't find Sarah Stokes though. The dates seem to be from 1813 to 1822 for the 8 children christened on 25 DEC 1823. Thanks.

[jim1]

The Ecclesiastical calendar had more relevance at that time & major religious events were popular for weddings & baptisms & to a lesser degree saints days & had been for centuries. I should imagine later there was a certain amount of tradition as well.
Apart from the religious aspect it was easier to remember dates on the Ecclesiastical calendar than it was on the Julian/Gregorian equivalent.
Other events such as fairs were also held at such times.

[Milliepede]

Might be too early depending on birth year for Sarah but there is a marriage 22 Feb 1832 Holme Huntingdon

Sarah Stokes to Benjamin Slote

Burial for Sarah Slote 2 Feb 1840 Holme age 27 so born 1813