western society vs Native Americans thoughts on Christmas.? i am a Navajo (Dine') this is my question.?

Question

To Native American Indians, like Navajos, Hopis' etc christmas has very little meaning as to westerns. Native Indains believe christmas is just another one of the events that is forced upon, and its just a way to get them rich. but for a lot of indians they go along or do it for thier children. they don't want to hurt or disappoint them. what do you think about this subject?

every answers here is very informational and educating. thanks so much for your thoughts, i can't pick any one as a best answer. we can learn from all the answers. again thks. may you walk in beautie all around you.

to:themojoman_dj were living proof. we live w/out those luxury for generations after generations. we only started using things u mention in last 50 years. and to tell the turth, its all good. no complaint there,

Answer 1

i think for MOST people now, it has nothing to do with religion, its about being with family, and yes, the gifts. if you have a problem with that, thats for your family to deal with, some people have no problem with the fact that its just about gift giving. i had christmas with a muslim this year. he doesnt celebrate it because its not part of his religion, but we still gave him gifts and he still gave us something small, but it was just about the family all being there, enjoying each others company.

Answer 2

First off, of the two, only the Native American religions can be called ancient, Wicca is about 60-70 years old. There are several parallels - and several quite sharp differences. One of the big ones being "An it harm none do as ye will" (Not a staple of any Native American religion I am familiar with, though admittedly it's only about 5.) There are some incredibly disrespectful Wiccans out there who believe that they can become shamans by reading Lynn Andrews books. Or they believe that just because some things are similar they can just go out and "do a sweat lodge" or a smudge, or craft a dream-catcher, or any other little tidbit that catches in their imagination without having the least idea of the true spiritual significance, but that's okay, they can make it mean whatever they want. The problem is they are practicing another form of cultural imperialism by doing so without taking up ALL the aspects of that religion and culture. I know many Native Americans who absolutely HATE Wiccans for the theft and misuse of their sacred rituals. And the worst part is - they are still around to ask - and Wiccans still don't. At least the ancient Celts aren't still extant to groan over the misappropriation and misuse of their holy calendar. Personally, I think most of the similarities are intentional - on the part of the Wiccans.

Answer 3

I think each family must decide for themselves how or even if they choose to celebrate Christmas. Is there a way that members of your tribe or culture can all come together celebrating it in a different way, maybe one that will honor your beliefs instead of feeling as if the holiday is being forced on you?

To children the holiday is Santa and gifts, it has little or no religious significance. I see nothing wrong with celebrating the holiday for children in that way.

On the other hand, my family happens to be and always was involved in the religious aspect of the holiday more so than the gift giving, but that is just our belief.

So you must look at Christmas and make it what you want it to be. I really respect the Native American culture, and worked as a hospice nurse with some Native Americans in the Southwest. I learned a great deal about the culture and peoples and was so impressed. I was even privileged to meet and speak for several hours one on one with a medicine man. It made such an impression on me. She talked to me about my guiding spirit and described my grandmother to me whom she said is always with me. .

Answer 4

I have thought about this much, myself. I am Lakota and have never shared in the religious beliefs that surround Christmas for so many others. I do, however still celebrate it. I still get up early on Christmas morning and cook a big meal, my family and I still come together and talk and laugh and exchange gifts. As many others have said here, it is up to the individual, how they will celebrate this holiday, or leave it alone if that is their wish. The only thing religious about it in my house, is the name of it. We don't have nativity scenes or angels and stars on our tree or anything like that... We don't sing religious carols or go to church...

Basically, we get a few days off work and the kids are out of school... May as well do something fun...

Answer 5

I dont think you should do it as it is a made up pagan holiday and really has no meaning for you.However I think each family like mine has done ,can make up their own tradition and make a nice meal and exchange a few small gifts if they wish on another day.When you get in to Christmas you can see that many people go crazy with buying large exspensive gifts and Im not for that at all.Keep things small.This year I decided I wanted to get my neices a few things so I bought little purses and make up and nail polish from the dollar store and spent maybe 10$ each and made them a really nice gift. That they loved.They knew it wasnt for Christmas. For me those are big gifts usaully I get like a 3 or 4$ item. I also dont like how so many people say its Jesus birthday its not.Look you need to be true to your self and since Indians beleive in the great spirit you should probly make your own tradition to please the little ones.Dont you already have powwows that the little ones get to enjoy?I guess its not the same. Just teach them to be proud to be diffrent dont embrace unhealthy traditions of us white folk. Alot of Us dont even agree with those traditions.Its basically like a month long festival to gluttony and greediness.

Answer 6

I am a Native Canadian (ojibway)

and I feel the same way about this whole catholicness.. it was pushed upon us back in the day..

But um yeah.. I think X-mas is so faraway from the religous holiday it doesn't really matter that much anyways..

i think of it as a nice time to spend with family and show them how much you appreciate them

Answer 7

Nobody's forcing YOU to celebrate are they?? Hey man,,just be like THE WEST AFRICANS brought here as SLAVES pick a religion that was never heard of in WEST AFRICA,,but CELEBRATED by EAST AFRICANS,,pretend it as your own AND CELEBRATE. Meanwhile GIVE UP everything AND I MEAN EVERYTHING that the early settlers brought and developed in AMERICA. cars,your hot water tank,alphabet,books,even you pc,your girls's phone number,,OR MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO KEEP THE THINGS"YOU" LIKE. The Europeans SAVED your history and recorded it,,etc etc And they keep digging and helping you to know more about yourself. WAKE UP

Answer 8

John, just think Christmas Day connects family, friends, relationships that were quiet again are renewed, and a nice beautiful dinner and a gathering say it all even if they don't want to believe.

It's about everyone, family, and I do believe in God, too.
But it's o.k. if you don't but it's still about love.

Answer 9

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AN OTHER WAY TO FILL THE POCKETS OF THE WEALTHY, IT HAS LOST ITS TRUE MEANING. A CELEBRATION OF CHRIST'S BIRTH. IT TEACHES CHILDREN TO BE COME GREEDY AND THE SANTA CLAUSE MYTH HURTS THE POOR. IT ALL WAYS HAS. YES I AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT POINT.

Answer 10

dont really care