I am reading in the news today about a dispute in a courthouse where a "Christmas Tree" (or "Holiday Tree" for those more sensitive to this issue) has been removed from its lobby as it is considered a religious icon of some sorts, obviously associated with Christianity. I know that there are similar issues happening all across North America.
Has any person seriously ever felt that their religious freedoms have been threatened by a pine tree with pretty lights on it? What's next, no Santa's in the malls? I'm not a particularly religious person, but if countries are expected to respect religious ideals from all denominations, then why must we sacrifice our traditions in the name of religious freedom?
Merry Christmas..sorry I mean "Happy Holiday"
2006-12-20 23:34:52 · 19 answers · asked by Denny M 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
happy non-denominational holiday greetings! i agree that it's getting ridiculous. i think people are just bored. if they're taking down trees in public places, then why is it acceptable to see trees in peoples' windows? and lights on their houses? and santas in the mall, as you mentioned. the people who fight this stuff aren't consistant. anyway, the tree and santa and all that are not really related to the christian aspect of the holiday. they're related to the federal holiday, commercialized aspect. i could see issues with nativity scenes and such, but really, trees have nothing to do with Jesus. they don't even have pine trees in bethlehem.
2006-12-20 23:40:24 · answer #1 · answered by Eowyn 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, I have never felt offended by a tree. Actually, I can't recall a tree ever speaking to me or doing anything offensive to anyone.
Seriously, I am a Christian, and therefore welcome decorations for Christmas. But, I also respect Jewish holidays and traditions, and the traditions and beliefs of other religions and races. If someone is celebrating in a peaceful manner, what is it hurting?
2006-12-21 07:52:50 · answer #2 · answered by Jackie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's because Christmas is the only holiday being recognized. I see nothing wrong with a "Holiday tree" and it can be decorated to encompass all celebrations (Kwanzaa colors, little menorah ornaments as well as traditional ornaments. If they did not do that, there should at least be other symbols of other holidays along with the tree.
2006-12-21 10:51:05 · answer #3 · answered by KathyS 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
http://www.christmasarchives.com/trees.html
the following website has the answer to why we have a tree for christmas, so copy and paste and you will find out why, for those who are offended by this symbol well last time i checked we all have the freedom of religion but with this in mind its not a religious icon as it was before
2006-12-21 08:01:11 · answer #4 · answered by paki 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a similar question opened here:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Alo.sfqu2cHMH.6wcmt2GVfsy6IX?qid=20061221035825AAMDT8t
Political correctness taken too far. Notice that even Google is wishing its visitors a 'Happy Holiday'.
I'm not a religious person but personally I feel quite offended by the replacement of this tradition with over extreme political correctness.
2006-12-21 08:00:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i read the other answers, and I agree with mrs belcher. the tree, in reality, has no connection to jesus. I don't even think hardly anyone used a tree up until about 150 yrs ago. And I think that christmas wasnt a federal holiday until the early 1900's
2006-12-21 07:47:53 · answer #6 · answered by sportsman72901 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
it is ironic that this is going on when it is the ideal of the pursuit of any religious freedom that brought us here; in God we trust is printed on our money ; do those people want to give all their money back? It is the people who have to stand up in opposition ; stay quiet , lose your rights; I have known people who put up a Christmas or now Hanukkah tree ; it is what you make it or don't make. We have more unhappy people now who have nothing better than to look to upset, change so we can all be miserable like them. I guess they can claim any public place that they want but with lights and trees in most homes, it is hard to ignore that we are here; lights on !!! Merry Christmas
2006-12-21 07:45:33 · answer #7 · answered by sml 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is the more dominant religion in the area so it gets more flack.
People are so concerned about looking proper and not stepping on any ones toes...so it comes down to denying people of their rights in order to protect others. A vicious cycle.
My belief is...leave the tree. If someone states it is not apart of their religion!!?! They are more than free in this country to put up their religious symbols.
2006-12-21 17:38:34 · answer #8 · answered by miss bean 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everybody's got to have a gripe and be different. Sometimes just to get a rise out of people. I say they all need to put on their big boy or big girl Funderoos, and get the hell over it!
Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas, HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!
2006-12-21 08:45:11 · answer #9 · answered by spikeyblonde_22 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well Santa is not considered part of the birth of christ so no one will probably care about that. But oh well I bet they will wish they celebrated christmas when they are down in ole h e double hockey sticks.
2006-12-21 07:46:04 · answer #10 · answered by bicentennialbuck 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋