Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

What are holidays like for slaves, and what is the significance of this, according to Frederick?

narrative of the life of frederick Douglass, an American slave

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The time between Christmas and New Years was always given to slaves as a time for merrymaking and leisure, but the masters tried to make sure that the slaves got as debauched (alcohol, party....) as possible so they would believe that freedom was a hassle and was unhealthy. These holidays were always given, however, because they were known among the slaveholders as a way to prevent insurrection. They were "conductors, or safety-valves, to carry off the rebellious spirit of enslaved humanity."

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http://www.gradesaver.com/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave-written-by-himself/study-guide/summary-chapter-x