I was just curious.
I'm 15, so I'm still premature religiously,
but i was just wondering why some Buddhist people celebrate Christmas with gifts and the sort.
I always thought Christmas was of Christian celebration, not to get presents. But then (it's not only pertaining to Buddhism) other people in different religions celebrate it.
I'm really sorry if it seems like a dumb question,
but i just wanted to know what everyone else thought on the subject.
Thanks!
2006-08-20 05:38:36 · 29 answers · asked by peexinxmyxpants 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm buddhist and I love Christmas. Ever hear the expression "It's the thought that counts"? That's what Christmas means to me. It's a great holiday where you get to see more of what is best about the human race. Being involved in a religion that is about understanding and compassion, the gift giving and traditions that are now a part of this holiday really fit in with my own personal beliefs. That's the great thing about Buddhism. There is no conflicting viewpoints and no drive to convert others to our own. We are here to attain enlightenment and compassion. Most of the other religions teach alot of the same message and precepts, even if they go about it differently. I may not celebrate the birth of Christ, but I do enjoy the spirit of the holiday.
2006-08-20 06:20:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, its not a dumb question at all. Here is why, Christmas is not only a Christian tradition, but for many, it is a American tradtion. Some people celebrate it with the children so that they dont feel left out. They treat it as a holiday for gifting giving and getting together as a family more than the birth of Jesus. Many branches of Christianity have different dates for Christmas, for example, if you were Ukranian Catholic, it would be Jan. 6th I believe. Basically it is a Christian American tradition that has been taken and used to fit people's needs during the holiday season, for better or for worse. Let me know if you need any other explantion.
2006-08-20 05:48:16 · answer #2 · answered by Joseph H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it's a national holiday. What else are they going to do? Plus, Christmas lost it's religious meaning over the decades and now it's so commercialized to the point where everyone, regardless of race or religion, can celebrate it. Personally, I think that's a good thing because it brings the whole world together in peace for one day or one week.
2006-08-20 05:44:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
By Christmas, you mean the tradition of giving and receiving gifts, eggnog, mistletoe and such?
X-mas was originally a pagan tradition then transferred into a Christian one and now over time it has stopped being a religious holiday, but merely a holiday. It's only a Christian holiday if you sing songs about Christ and such and believe it's the day in which Jesus is born. If you don't then you're just celebrating a holiday! (hope I helped ;p)
2006-08-20 05:58:51 · answer #4 · answered by zee1grl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are four instinctual human holidays that span the ages to pre-historic times and reflect both the seasons and the hearts of men.
Christmas is the social holiday, of the family and community, giving and sharing. In ancient times, in the deep winter, we break out our stores of food and see if we have enough to last until the spring. If there's any extra we celebrate, lighting candles against the dark, coming together, relying on each other for warmth, life and love.
Easter is the time of birth.
Halloween is the time of death.
Independence Day is the time of the individual.
2006-08-20 05:58:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas as it is celebrated in America has kind of come away from being a Christian holiday and become more of a holiday for everyone, to clebrate family and life and love. I'm an Agnostic and I still celebrate Christmas.
2006-08-20 05:49:38 · answer #6 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi young man. You have asked a nice question. People of other religion celebrate Christmas because they respect Jesus Christ who stood for the downtrodden and helpless people. It also shows that Buddhists and Hindus can respect Christianity without any reservations. Let people grow with kindness and sensitivity to respect each other. All the best.
2006-08-20 05:48:46 · answer #7 · answered by JP 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is a Christian Holiday, as is Easter, At Christmas we celebrate his birth and at Easter his death and resurrection. Christmas is a National Holiday and has become very commercialized. Santa Claus takes the whole focus of Christmas off Christ for children and puts the focus on presents and on Santa.
It's OK for those who are not Christians to celebrate the holiday as a big party with presents, but as Christians we need to celebrate it as the birth of our Savior. We need to meditate on that and keep it part of our celebration.
2006-08-20 05:53:29 · answer #8 · answered by Pinky 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like Christmas. I like practicing gratitude for my family and the things that are really important. The lights and ornaments are so much fun. So is getting everybody together to do the whole thing. Good food, noise, excitement, celebration. Picking out presents for others is awesome too- finding material things to express your inner feelings about those who matter. Or making something yourself!!
I really don't think it matters that we're not Christian. We can still have the same values and enjoy the same things.
2006-08-20 05:45:06 · answer #9 · answered by Earth Queen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do Christians celebrate Christmas? It's a pagan holiday.
When it comes right down to it... none of the holidays really mean anything more than an excuse to party and be with family. I don't need to believe in Jesus's divinity to love my family.
2006-08-20 05:45:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋