Could some one, preferably Pagan, explain to me how it harms anyone for Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ at this time of year?
How does it harm anyone if we wish them "Merry Christmas"??
Christians surely do realize that it is causing us no harm for you to wish us a Blessed Yule...
So, please...what's the big deal, anyhow??
2007-12-14 04:30:17 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That's a Wiccan belief. Wiccans and Pagans are not the same thing.
And it doesn't harm anyone to celebrate Christmas this time of year. It is, however, incredibly disrespectful (and therefore harmful) to us when "some" Christians act as if there are no other holidays this month (not just ours), or say that Yule isn't a "real" holiday, or attack us for not believing in Christ.
There is also no harm in wishing someone a "Merry Christmas." But the nasty looks we often get for wishing people a "Blessed Yule" in return do not always make us feel good - or safe - and that is very harmful.
And while YOU may realize it does you no harm if we wish you a Blessed Yule, which I personally am very thankful for, not all Christians share your feelings.
The "big deal" is not about Christians like you.
)O(
2007-12-14 04:40:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
First off, "An it harm none" is the Wiccan Rede and only applies to followers of the Wiccan religion, not all Pagans. Just as a point of clarification.
I don't have a problem with anyone wishing me "Merry Christmas."
I *do* have a problem with people who want EVERYONE to say "Merry Christmas" as though Christmas were the only holiday at this time of year.
I also have issues with people who claim that "Jesus is the reason for the season" and that's why Christmas should get preferential treatment above all other holidays... without realizing that Christmas was overlaid on top of the already-existing holiday of Yule in order to help convert ancient Pagans to Christianity.
Even Christian scholars admit that Jesus wasn't born in mid-December. And so many of the symbols that are used are Pagan in origin (what does a decorated evergreen tree have to do with a child in a manger in Bethlehem, anyway?). But there are still Christians who get bent out of shape at the mere suggestion that the holidays aren't "all about Christmas!!!" and who feel that they are being persecuted because some of us acknowledge and observe holidays other than theirs.
So... Happy Holidays to all (and Blessed Solstice to those who observe it!).
2007-12-14 04:44:08 · answer #2 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"An ye harm none..." is part of our Wiccan Rede, so yes, I do observe this as closely as I can. I have no issue with you people celebrating your Christmas... "...do as ye will." However, it is irresponsible to go around wishing everyone "Merry Christmas" when you don't know whether it reflects their beliefs. What if I went around wishing EVERYONE a "Happy Yule"? (I'd surely get a least a few middle fingers; it's already been said. I'm glad you don't mind, but some do, as they choose to believe that their chosen religion is the ONLY religion that exists.) I do however, wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, Happy Hanukkah and every other day, too. ;)
I also recognize the 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief. (Yep, we don't have 10, we have 13!) Please look up numbers TEN and twelve ;)
To those claiming that Pagans and Wiccans are not the same -- well, Wiccans ARE Pagans. Saying you are Pagan is (sort of) like saying you are Christian. If you're Christian, you can be Methodist, Baptist, etc. If you are Pagan, you can be a Wiccan, Druid, Bard, Asatru, etc.
2007-12-14 04:38:00 · answer #3 · answered by wiccanhpp 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
More specifically, Wiccans use that phrase, better known as The Rede.
It doesn't harm anyone for Christians to celebrate Christmas until Christians start excluding other holidays to the point where the other holidays are deemed less valuable and as such, the religion itself and its followers. Sometimes it's not just about physical pain; mental and emotional pain are just as bad.
It doesn't harm anyone to wish them a Merry Christmas, but it can be deemed insulting if you still wish them a Merry Christmas and are well aware that they are a different religion and celebrate a different December holiday.
2007-12-14 04:36:57 · answer #4 · answered by ultraviolet1127 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The rede was not designed to offer guidance as how to live your life. If your looking for someone to take you by the hand and show you how your life is to be lived, become a christian. Wiccans are responsible for their own actions. There is no saying: "The Devil made me do it", or "The voices inside my head told me it was o.k. Self responsibility is a cornerstone to wiccan ethics. As to the rede not showing you specifically if you are harming someone or something thru your actions, take a look at what you are doing. If you are about to launch a frog into the atmosphere with a bottle rocket, are you harming? The answer would be yes. Because it is a form of life. Same question, different format. If you see someone about to launch a frog on a bottlerocket, and you do nothing to stop them, or in at least say something to them, are you responsible for the harm. If you take no action, either by stopping them, or telling them, then yes, again you are responsible. Your own ethics and moralities, make the rede come to life. If you are part of a coven, that coven has a set of guidelines, while it is not to infringe on the free will of the individual, those guidelines are a reminder of your own moral and ethical values to life, all life. It is making you aware of your own self responsibility, to yourself, your fellow humans and animals, and plants, and to Mother Earth. Hope this helps some. May the Lord and Lady Bless.
2016-05-23 22:53:21 · answer #5 · answered by odilia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, that's a Wiccan slogan, and not all Pagans follow it.
And there is no harm in Christians celebrating Christmas at this time of the year. But I can't count the number of, "If you don't believe in Jesus, why are you celebrating Christmas?" questions that I see daily in this forum. We don't care about sharing this time of year with you, just don't monopolize on it. And be respectful enough to remember that it was ours first.
2007-12-14 04:39:15 · answer #6 · answered by Marissa: Worker of Iniquity 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No one has ever made those claims. It is crazy Christians who have imagined a, "War on Christmas". It is however more polite to wish someone a, "Happy Holidays:, rather than a, "Merry Christmas", because it does not assume that they are Christian or celebrate Christmas. Some people have other religions and celebrate different holidays.
2007-12-14 06:44:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll find the 'big deal' is prob just some reactionary Christians who can't stand sharing beleifs in a secular society. I've never heard any Wiccan get upset over hearing the words Merry Xmas, but you can see some Christians go purple-faced if they hear 'Happy Yule' or 'Happy Holidays'.
Fox News....
2007-12-14 06:27:17 · answer #8 · answered by Bajingo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An it harm none is not something all Pagans follow. Wiccans do. For me, it doesnt hurt me in the slightest if you wish me a merry christmas - odds are you meant well when you said it.
2007-12-14 04:35:34 · answer #9 · answered by Uncle Tim 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
As said above, that is only Wicca that has the Rede (harm none...) Other solitary pagans and pagan paths/groups have different rules, and some have no rules at all.
Since Christmas was originally pagan, I don't see the harm myself. But it is nice to respect the feelings of others.
2007-12-14 04:37:21 · answer #10 · answered by An Independent 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋