What were traditions of colonial Maryland?

The Province of Maryland was founded in 1624 as an English colony in the New World. The early colonists brought many of their traditions and customs from England, including their religious practices, political institutions, and social customs.

Religious Traditions

The early colonists of Maryland were predominantly Protestant, including members of the Church of England, Roman Catholics, and Puritans. The Church of England was the official religion of the colony until 1776 and many of its traditions were adopted by the other Protestant denominations. Some of these traditions included:

- Regular church attendance and the taking of communion.

- The reading of the Bible and the recitation of the Lord's Prayer.

- The singing of hymns and the playing of instrumental music.

- The observance of religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.

Political Traditions

The early colonists of Maryland adopted many of the political traditions of England, including the system of common law and the representative assembly. The representative assembly, known as the General Assembly, was composed of two chambers: the upper chamber, or Senate, and the lower chamber, or House of Delegates. The Senate was appointed by the governor, while the House of Delegates was elected by the voters of the colony.

Social Traditions

The early colonists of Maryland brought with them many of their social customs and traditions from England, including the patriarchal family structure, the observance of social hierarchy, and the importance of education and literacy. Some of these traditions included:

- The father was the head of the family and was responsible for providing for his wife and children.

- Children were expected to obey their parents and respect their elders.

- The upper class was composed of the wealthy planters, merchants, and professional men.

- The lower class was composed of the small farmers, laborers, and servants.

- Education was considered to be important for both boys and girls.

The traditions of colonial Maryland had a lasting impact on American culture and society. Many of these traditions are still practiced today and are an important part of the American heritage.