participate in Christmas activities YET they deny Christ?
2006-12-07 03:54:56 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am a polytheist and I follow a neo-pagan path. I don't celebrate any holiday on 25 December. For the solstice I celebrate according to what was done by pre-Christian pagans. I burn candles in honor of the returning sun, use evergreens to symbolize continuing life through winter, use mistletoe which was sacred to the ancient Druids, worship near a sacred tree, feast and give gifts with family and friends to share our bounty through the winter months and tell the story of Santa which is based on Norse mythology. If possible, we watch the sun rise on the solstice. Since these practices are pagan in origin, I am sure that Christians wouldn't want to participate in them.
I don't go to cantatas or Christian plays, have manger scenes, or sing hymns or "Happy Birthday" about a deity that I don't worship. Ummmmm....exactly what do Christians do to celebrate the birth of their deity besides these things?
2006-12-07 05:49:01 · answer #1 · answered by Witchy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why do you consider these things ridiculous for non-Christians to do? The majority of the things that Christians do for Christmas are Pagan. Is that ridiculous? Personally, I think it is when they do it and don't even bother to research their own religions roots and then ask questions like this. Several "Christian" holidays are on Pagan/Wiccan holidays. Why? Because the Christians thought they could convert them to Christianity if they adopted some/all of their traditions/beliefs. Want another holiday to complain about? How about Easter? Where do you think the Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs come from? Uh, maybe because it's a fertility holiday. Do some research before you waste everyones time asking questions that have been asked a million times before.
2006-12-10 12:13:37 · answer #2 · answered by Belisama 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A) Christmas being December 25th is based on the fact that many ancient cultures celebrated the winter solstice about that time. The Roman feast of Saturnalia occurred around then, as does Yule. Do you honestly believe that it's only coincidence that Christians celebrate the BIRTH of the SON of God, while Yule celebrates the REBIRTH of the SUN god?
B) Many Christmas traditions are likewise "borrowed" from other cultures. What does giving gifts, putting up trees, singing carols, and kissing under the mistletoe have to do with Jesus' message, anyway? All of these traditions originate from cultures and practices that predate Christianity.
Do your homework, sweetheart, then come argue with me about traditions.
2006-12-07 12:28:32 · answer #3 · answered by whtknt 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No, I think people should be able to do things they like, so long as they aren't hurting others. There are other holidays around this time of year too, for other religions. Also, "Christmas trees" really don't have anything to do with Christmas, they're a non-religious or possibly tree-worshiping decoration. My friends put one up and call it a Hanuka bush!
2006-12-07 12:09:06 · answer #4 · answered by Vasilisa A 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, because I give gifts to appreciate my friends, the "Christmas tree" is actually a "pagan tree" that represents the winter solstice and renewal and survival through winter ( http://www.holidays.net/christmas/tree.htm ), and sending cards is a nice way of keeping touch with people you don't get to talk to very often.
So, seems like it's a nice way to end the year and reflect on past events, no matter what religion you adhere to. Some people just give different meaning to it.
2006-12-07 12:03:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Is it a ridiculous idea to others that Christians exchange gifts, put up a tree, send cards, when they stole the holiday from Pagans?
2006-12-07 11:57:51 · answer #6 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
Were else would we get commercialism if they didn't take part in Christmas. It is obvious that they haven't excepted Christmas for what it is. You have to experience Christ, to truly experience Christmas. Without Christ in our hearts we really have nothing but an empty box to give. He really is the reason for the season.Thumbs up to you and have a Merry Christmas !
2006-12-07 12:15:12 · answer #7 · answered by don_steele54 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, that's not ridiculous. The Christians adopted the idea of Christmas.
2006-12-07 11:57:00 · answer #8 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
Go read up on the origins of Christmas before you ask this question.
It is a pagan holiday.
December 25 is not Jesus's birthday and no evidence exists that it is.
Putting up a tree is a pagan custom.
I can send cards and give presents to whomever I please whenever I please and I do not need your permisiion nor Jesus's to do so.
I AM SICK OF THIS STUPID QUESTION!
Get off your holy high horse and go learn something!
.
2006-12-07 12:03:25 · answer #9 · answered by Chickyn in a Handbasket 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
No.
Why would it be ridiculous?
"Christmas" comes from 'Christ's MASS' i.e. a special church service.
THAT is what y'all have, and the rest of it is Pagan.
I'm Pagan.
And we Pagans don't mind sharing. Would that you "the world should ONLY recognize OUR borrowed holiday" types could be as generous, understanding, and open-hearted.
2006-12-07 13:53:35 · answer #10 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋