I'm not sure what us secularists should do with this. Take the Christmas tree back from the Christians or get rid of it. The Christmas Tree has pagan origins and was used as a symbol in winter solstice celebrations. So even in it's origins it is a religious tradition...King Tut never saw a Christmas tree, but he would have understood the tradition which traces back long before the first Christmas, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture with the Springfield Extension Center.
The Egyptians were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. When the winter solstice arrive, they brought green date palm leaves into their homes to symbolize life's triumph over death.
The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with greens and lights and exchanged gifts. They gave coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps to light one's journey through life.
Centuries ago in Great Britain, woods priests called Druids used evergreens during mysterious winter solstice rituals. The Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and place evergreen branches over doors to keep away evil spirits.
Late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Our modern Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions.
...but it seems to me that the winter solstice has a very relevant secular significance, unlike the Christian tradition. So, would it be fair to say that the Christmas tree and the traditions of decorating it and putting presents underneath it, is rightfully a universal tradition that could be practiced by anyone? Well, anyone except Christians of course...
Jeremiah 10:1-5
3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless;
they cut a tree out of the forest,
and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
4 They adorn it with silver and gold;
they fasten it with hammer and nails
so it will not totter.
The Bible forbids "Christmas" trees. Some Christians will say that this passage is just refering to the worshipping of false idols but considering the tradition's roots and how Christians have become so protective of this symbol, I would say that it amounts to blasphemy.
1 comment:
Does Egyptians have winter?
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