most holidays have a religious connotations even during the olden times and most have a historical relations to something of a higher power; without offending anyone particularly non-believers of any sort, do you ever participate in such remembrances, memoriams or celebration?
2007-12-10 19:09:00 · 11 answers · asked by livinhapi 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Well Thanksgiving is more of an American holiday then a religious one, but other religious holidays are not just for the religious people anymore, its embedded into American culture. Instead of praising the birth of Jesus, the non-believers take the holiday as a time to give to the less fortunate. So don't push the non-believers to the side just because they don't believe in the origin of the holiday but the generosity of it.
2007-12-10 19:14:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is no easy answer to that. Its all down to the individuals point of view. I am now what would be termed as an atheist. I used to believe in Christ and God. If you take into account that according to most scholars the birth of Jesus should be celebrated sometime around April. Then that's the main reason gone for this celebration. Now for Santa, this mythical body that comes around once a year, is all based on the tales of one good soul doing a good turn for those in need. Which in my view is better than dressing up in a red ill fitting suit and conning hard working people out of their money. Unfortunately big business has taken it over. Its sad to think that a drinks company thought St Nicholas would look good in a red suit rather than his clerical robes. We should look at Christmas as a time to enjoy our family with all their good points and bad ones. On this day I don't celebrate the birth of Christ, I celebrate being with my family and Friend's and I try to give a little bit back. Remember that a smile and a hug are the best presents that you can give to any one and they cost bugger all. This is probably not the answer that you were looking for, we'll call it just a point of view. Happy what ever it is your celebrating today.
2016-05-22 23:57:08 · answer #2 · answered by nydia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist and I celebrate Christmas as a family holiday. I use it to spend quality time with my family and to do something special. It's a nice opportunity to get a little break from the routine of daily life and do something different, like put up colorful lights, cook a great meal and actually take out time to spend with people in relaxed circumstances.
I don't celebrate Easter, but because Easter brings a few days of national holidays in my country I often use the chance to travel without having to take extra days off.
We don't have Thanksgiving or other nation-wide holidays that are connected to religions.
2007-12-11 00:52:25 · answer #3 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to wonder why non-Christians celebrate Christmas. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.
Then I realized that Christians participate in Halloween, and Halloween has a "religious" connotation of its own that is in opposition with what Christians believe. So what it boils down to is that almost any holiday can be stripped of its meaning if it so benefits a person.
2007-12-10 19:12:07 · answer #4 · answered by kelly4u2 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the rituals have a deep psychological purpose that is meaningful to all human beings and doesn't involve any behaviors offensive to modern humans such as obedience and slavery to a higher power.
On Xmas we still have a tree, with ornaments, and lights, and a meal together because it reminds us of family, both from our childhood, and our present company.
There's no impetus or meaning to remembering some unpleasant meaningless fairy tale about virgins in mangers, and so I don't. It's nonsense. I can find nothing of value in that story or of any sort of praying or church going.
2007-12-10 19:19:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thanksgiving is not really a religious holiday, it's more of a day of thanks. But I personally think it is a silly holiday, spawned from the "friendliness" of the natives and the white settlers. Anyone who knows anything about history knows that the white settlers basically slaughtered and destroyed a whole race of people for their greedy gain. That was off topic, but anyways, I have dinner with my family and enjoy spending time with them, but do not partake in any religious activities or celebrations.
2007-12-10 20:03:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2007-12-10 20:12:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever one believes, the emotionally uplifting (contagious) spirit of the holidays, whatever holiday it may be, causes most to behave in kind and generous ways to those with whom they interact. Whether they know the person or not. It's celebration enough (or reason to celebrate) that most people behave civilly.
2007-12-10 19:25:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A day off work is a day off work. Who's going to refuse that?
(The religious connotation is clear. Holiday = Holy day)
2007-12-10 19:12:22 · answer #9 · answered by the Boss 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I do not. I don't celebrate any holidays at all.
2007-12-10 19:26:26 · answer #10 · answered by dallas 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋