christian holidays in america Options

[*reflection*]

do you think its fair that america recognizes christian holidays [christmas, easter] but not those of other religions?

[technicolour]

Hannukah is accepted.

And that's not Christian.

[Comptine]

in new york, we recognize jewish holidays, muslim, hindu, and chinese holidays (meaning school is closed on those days or you could have an excused absence for observing one). i don't think america ignores other holidays.

[*mipadi*]

I don't think most of the Christian holidays are official national holidays. Most businesses and other instituations recognize them and close for those days, but that is the choice of the proprietor. Many other holidays are recognized in America, or people at least have the right to recognize them on their own (and not go to work or school).

[*disco infiltrator*]

Hannukah is accepted.

And that's not Christian.

Ohhh no..it's not. Christmas Day is a National Holiday. Hannukah is not. And I can't get off school for Hannukah in my school, but we get 2 weeks off for Christmas Break. I asked if I could get off to go to temple on Passover and the first day of Hannukah (with my family, seeing as I don't practice Judiasm myself), but I was declined.

People can get off for Ash Wednesday though....

If as in accepted you mean people celebrate well..yes. It's a Jewish holiday; if someone's Jewish, they will celebrate it, and people can't do a thing about it because it's a religious choice and (to my belief, it isn't seeming to be apparent nowadays..) America is not a religious-specific country.

[AngryBaby]

darn dont mean to spam, but i agree with headphones. haha i was gonna reply to that part, but you said everything thats needs to be said about it.

[technicolour]

Ohhh no..it's not. Christmas Day is a National Holiday. Hannukah is not. And I can't get off school for Hannukah in my school, but we get 2 weeks off for Christmas Break. I asked if I could get off to go to temple on Passover and the first day of Hannukah (with my family, seeing as I don't practice Judiasm myself), but I was declined.

People can get off for Ash Wednesday though....

If as in accepted you mean people celebrate well..yes. It's a Jewish holiday; if someone's Jewish, they will celebrate it, and people can't do a thing about it because it's a religious choice and (to my belief, it isn't seeming to be apparent nowadays..) America is not a religious-specific country.

My school will let you go if it's religious...amazingly..

I wasn't sure if that was everywhere though...

[Shahin]

Christmas Day isn't inherently Christian, though. Most people recognize December 25th as the birthday of Jesus Christ, however, the Bible states he was born sometime in Spring. Ok, my phone just rang and I forgot my point.

[technicolour]

^ where does it say that?

[Spirited Away]

Christmas Day isn't inherently Christian, though. Most people recognize December 25th as the birthday of Jesus Christ, however, the Bible states he was born sometime in Spring. Ok, my phone just rang and I forgot my point.

actually, the Bible never said anything about the season of Christ's birth. historians and such made deductions from putting things together. i say deductions, implying more than one possible conclusion, because i've heard that Christ was born in the spring in some readings and autumn from others. but everyone agrees, of course, that He was not born on December 25th.


to the topic at hand: no it's not fair, but my attitude about it is that we can't have everything we want in life.

[Shahin]

^*Sigh* The point is is that it is not inherently Christian. I believe that's the date of the Winter Solstice and the Church made it a holiday to encourage early pagans to convert to Christianity. You know, change the meaning of the holiday, but keep the fundamentals intact, makes it less of a shock.

[Spirited Away]

that point was already made and argued in the thread named "you can't have it both ways". in that same thread, i agreed that Christmas is very Christian, but the day itself is not. so yea, i know what you're talking about. i only wanted to point out the fact that the Bible never said anything about the season of Christ's birth since you said the Bible states otherwise.

[*disco infiltrator*]

Hum, just to..expand the debate.

My school is now completely Christian oriented it seems. We now are required to both say the Pledge of Alleigance (all of it, even if we don't want to, which I don't really care about, but others do), have a moment of silence (for no apparent reason other than to pray, since this was instituted on the first day of school, not after the hurricane or anything - there is no reason for it), and we have flyers all over inviting people to come and pray some day in the next 2 weeks (I, of course, didn't pay attention to the date seeing as I am not interested in praying).

However, this is a public school, no? People of many different religions and backgrounds go here. I'm starting to feel as if I don't belong, me being atheist.

And don't say I can choose not to participate, no, no. I must say every bit of the pledge and must participate in the moment of silence (politically correct praying moment).

I don't know, just thought I'd bring that up since we're talking about how Christianity is so much more..put out to people. I mean, I would understand if this was a Christian school but..it's not. We have a lot of people who aren't Christian.

[rinchan089]

^*Sigh* The point is is that it is not inherently Christian. I believe that's the date of the Winter Solstice and the Church made it a holiday to encourage early pagans to convert to Christianity. You know, change the meaning of the holiday, but keep the fundamentals intact, makes it less of a shock.

Correct, and the idea of Christmas trees came from pagan Germanic tribes. It was brought to Rome after it converted to Christianity. The Winter Solstice, I believe, was a Roman Holiday adapted to become a Christian one. Since the Romans weren't Christian and worshiped their own gods (stolen from Greece lol) before that (the ones that were were Christian thrown in the Colesseum to be killed or eated by lions and tigers), it would be considered a pagan religion.

Rin-chan

[*RiC3xBoy*]

Hum, just to..expand the debate.

My school is now completely Christian oriented it seems. We now are required to both say the Pledge of Alleigance (all of it, even if we don't want to, which I don't really care about, but others do), have a moment of silence (for no apparent reason other than to pray, since this was instituted on the first day of school, not after the hurricane or anything - there is no reason for it), and we have flyers all over inviting people to come and pray some day in the next 2 weeks (I, of course, didn't pay attention to the date seeing as I am not interested in praying).

Weird, my school doesn't force you to do the pledge. They also called call it winter break and not Christmas break.

[technicolour]

Hum, just to..expand the debate.

My school is now completely Christian oriented it seems. We now are required to both say the Pledge of Alleigance (all of it, even if we don't want to, which I don't really care about, but others do), have a moment of silence (for no apparent reason other than to pray, since this was instituted on the first day of school, not after the hurricane or anything - there is no reason for it), and we have flyers all over inviting people to come and pray some day in the next 2 weeks (I, of course, didn't pay attention to the date seeing as I am not interested in praying).

However, this is a public school, no? People of many different religions and backgrounds go here. I'm starting to feel as if I don't belong, me being atheist.

And don't say I can choose not to participate, no, no. I must say every bit of the pledge and must participate in the moment of silence (politically correct praying moment).

I don't know, just thought I'd bring that up since we're talking about how Christianity is so much more..put out to people. I mean, I would understand if this was a Christian school but..it's not. We have a lot of people who aren't Christian.

That's all done in texas. Just during the moment of silence most people just close their eyes. Some teachers could really care less though....

We also have to say the stupid state pledge. I mumble it.

About the banners shtuff- Blah blah...i'm going to be one of those stupid people who say Freedom of Speech and Right to Choose religion..blah blah

...so join something that doesn't have to do with Christianity for you?


Most of our teachers just call it Christmas..but whenever the Principals say something to do with it it's called Winter Break, Winter Vacation yadda yadda, that shtuff.

[*disco infiltrator*]

Join something that isn't Christian?....Like what?

Cause ya know, people tooootally love atheists here and all..

Haha, this one chick told me she was going to excorcize me.. Cause I'm so evil.



I'm just going along with the topic. Christianity is much more put out than other religions. They wouldn't even let me make a menorah and not a Christmas tree out of felt in 1st grade..

[artislife90]

My school calls it winter break as well.
However, seeing as the rest of the town is mostly Jewish, we get off for just about every Jewish holiday you can bring to the surface. However, we only get one day before, and one day after Easter.

It depends on the majority in the area.

Also, Christmas, has become a lot less about religion. A ton of my friends' families are atheist and still celebrate christmas just because its a nice message or happiness and..um .......gifts.

[Mulder]

it does bother me that christmas is soooo recognized. i dont really like going shopping and seeing 90 christmas trees in the galleria. and yet, i do like seeing them... hm..


i dont know. it would be nice if they would recognize other religions for more than one day. its not much to have a news station say Happy Hannukah on the wrong night and only once. really. its just not.


eh. this coming from a lazy jew who gives "new years presents" so that she can have more time to shop and be lazy, and get the after christmas discounts.

[pandamonium]

man i made a replication of this topic a while ago. and kryo made the first one.

but i like christmas. I mean seriously how many times do you spend time with your family like that? and see their faces light up when they see their present from you . do you really spend that much time together with your family in one day. i know i dont.

but christmas to me has become a tradition. i dont think peolpe who dont believe on God shouldnt be obliged to celebrate it. sure it has religious background but still its a special time.

[sadolakced acid]

but aren't some christians campaigning to return christmas to its roots?

to make it into a very religious holiday?

[*xcaitlinx*]

Hum, just to..expand the debate.

My school is now completely Christian oriented it seems. We now are required to both say the Pledge of Alleigance (all of it, even if we don't want to, which I don't really care about, but others do), have a moment of silence (for no apparent reason other than to pray, since this was instituted on the first day of school, not after the hurricane or anything - there is no reason for it), and we have flyers all over inviting people to come and pray some day in the next 2 weeks (I, of course, didn't pay attention to the date seeing as I am not interested in praying).

However, this is a public school, no? People of many different religions and backgrounds go here. I'm starting to feel as if I don't belong, me being atheist.

And don't say I can choose not to participate, no, no. I must say every bit of the pledge and must participate in the moment of silence (politically correct praying moment).

I don't know, just thought I'd bring that up since we're talking about how Christianity is so much more..put out to people. I mean, I would understand if this was a Christian school but..it's not. We have a lot of people who aren't Christian.

bahhh...i never say "under god" when we're forced to say the pledge. im not sure if anyone notices though. and if htey have a problem with it, then that's their problem.

[technicolour]

This is going to seem a bit random, but...

Caytexo, wtf does your icon mean?

back onto the subject, surely there is a club/group that doesn't involve religion?

[*xcaitlinx*]

^....It means that next time when there's a presidential election some people shouldn't vote based soley(sp?) on their religion.

[technicolour]

...

That makes no sense at all.

Their religion is what they believe. It's what/how they think.

[sheridan_whitesi...]

bahhh...i never say "under god" when we're forced to say the pledge. im not sure if anyone notices though. and if htey have a problem with it, then that's their problem.

placing both hands over your mouth during the "under god" part worked for me.

[*xcaitlinx*]

...

That makes no sense at all.

Their religion is what they believe. It's what/how they think.

it makes perfect sense in my mind.

a lot of people voted for bush to be reelected based on what they believed in (religion), and not the actual FACTS.

[technicolour]

To them RELIGION IS FACTS.

Wtf. Explain yourself. Please.

Their religion = their morals. Their morals happened to parallel with Bush's gah..idk Political scheme? Idk if those are the right words.

But...No...

[*xcaitlinx*]

exactly. their morals are teh same as Bush's, therefore, they vote for him blindly without realizing what kind of a president he truly is. they didn't know what happened behidn the scenes because they were basically being brainwashed with all this bullshit about how we're going to be attacked again. (raising the terrorist code up and down up and down) a lot of people felt safe with him after 9/11, therefore, Bush took advantage of it by exaggerating how we're going to be attacked by terrorists yet again. peopel believed it, voted for him, and now here he is, still the president of good ol' U S of A.

im probably not explaining myself well because i'm extremely exhausted and can't think of the proper words to type. heh...

[technicolour]

Do you know what happens "behind-the-curtain"?

A normal citzen, such as myself, has no clue what happens.

No one can tell what type of president the electee will be until he is actually in office and is actually doing something...

It's bullshit that we're going to be attacked again? Considering a lot of people over there hate us, not just Bush but the country too, I think that yes, we're going to get attacked again. In fact it wouldn't suprise me at all if we did.

And why is getting attacked again such a big deal..for your explaination?
\

[*xcaitlinx*]

^ it's been over 4 years since 9/11 and we haven't been attacked yet. 4 years!

[b0st0ngrl]

^Wow. It's just an icon. Chill, people.

Anywho,
I don't think many Jewish holidays are recognized in the sense that we don't get school or anything. Well, actually, no. There was one year that our picture day was on Rosh Hashana. And for those of you who don't know, Rosh Hashana is the most important Jewish holiday. So I missed it. But, my point is couldn't they look at a calander and say "Oh, look, we can't have picture day on this day because 1/5 of the school will be gone." Does that make any sense?

[technicolour]

^ it's been over 4 years since 9/11 and we haven't been attacked yet. 4 years!

...so? It can happen at any moment

[*xcaitlinx*]

^ true, but the government definitely mislead people into thinking that there would be a terrorist attack any day.

[sadolakced acid]

al queda takes years of planning to attack. any attackes within 4 years of 9/11 were probably set in motion before 9/11.

so so far our safety has been because of the recent attack and alqueda's slow turn around, not because of bush's policies.

[*xcaitlinx*]

well i changed my icon so let's stop the bickeringggg!

[Mulder]

wait..this is about christianity in america.. not bush..


or his crappy right-wing policies.



and its really yom kippur thats the most important jewish holiday.

[b0st0ngrl]

and its really yom kippur thats the most important jewish holiday.

Meh, sorry, they don't really teach us anything at my Hebrew School...

[starlette]

Join something that isn't Christian?....Like what?

Cause ya know, people tooootally love atheists here and all..

Haha, this one chick told me she was going to excorcize me.. Cause I'm so evil.
I'm just going along with the topic. Christianity is much more put out than other religions. They wouldn't even let me make a menorah and not a Christmas tree out of felt in 1st grade..

really? At my school (in Texas) we had to recognize all holidays. Even Kwanzaa. So I made menorahs and had to sing some Kwanzaa song in choir (my cousin freaked out becuase she thought we were chanting satanic verses because shes uneducated) and we made Snowflakes (even tho it never snows haha) and we made Christmas trees. And we only had to say the pledge in elementary school. Also, our winter break (not Christmas) works out so that people who celebrate Hannukah (sp?) are out of school as well as those who celebrate Christmas. And I mean, they push easter, but they push the easter bunnies and egg baskets, not what Easter even means. And the moment of silence? Thats not code for prayer moment. that means take time to respectfully reflect on the loss of life dues to "_________" Tragedy. Not pray to God. If you pray you pray. I mean, I'm Christian and I never pray during moments of silence. I just pay my respects. No Dear God, just, I sure hope the families of the people who died in "_______" tragedy are handling this time of year well or whatever. But yeah.

[b0st0ngrl]

  Also, our winter break (not Christmas) works out so that people who celebrate Hannukah (sp?) are out of school as well as those who celebrate Christmas.

How is that possible? Hannukah starts a different time each year, I remember one year it started in November. Sometimes it starts at the beginning of December...Explain this to me please

[*disco infiltrator*]

really?  At my school (in Texas) we had to recognize all holidays.  Even Kwanzaa.  So I made menorahs and had to sing some Kwanzaa song in choir (my cousin freaked out becuase she thought we were chanting satanic verses because shes uneducated) and we made Snowflakes (even tho it never snows haha) and we made Christmas trees.  And we only had to say the pledge in elementary school.  Also, our winter break (not Christmas) works out so that people who celebrate Hannukah (sp?) are out of school as well as those who celebrate Christmas.  And I mean, they push easter, but they push the easter bunnies and egg baskets, not what Easter even means.  And the moment of silence?  Thats not code for prayer moment.  that means take time to respectfully reflect on the loss of life dues to "_________"  Tragedy.  Not pray to God.  If you pray you pray.  I mean, I'm Christian and I never pray during moments of silence.  I just pay my respects.  No Dear God, just, I sure hope the families of the people who died in "_______" tragedy are handling this time of year well or whatever.  But yeah.

How many people of other religions do you have in your school?

In my school, I know a couple people who actually say they're atheists (and a lot who pretty much should be cause they're horrible at being Christian), 2 Bhuddists, and one person who considers themselves to be (born) Jewish. (That would be me.) Two others have dads who are Jewish, but they themselves are Christians.

That's probably why our school is .. basically Christian. They don't even say "Happy Hannukah" on the announcements or anything...

[hunnigurl01]

america observes the holidays that can make money.

[Joss-eh-lime]

well christian holidays are really recognized that much anymore. last "spring break" didnt even coninside with easter! so yea. but i do think the christian holidays are fair.

[mai_z]

america observes the holidays that can make money.

Tru dat. America caters to the majority and the people with money. Unfortunately, that means mostly christian.

[murderous_though...]

Firstly, America recognizes holidays of other religions. Hannukah, Yom Kippur, Boxing Day, Kwaanzah, Rosh Hasanah, and even Epiphany are all recognized and celebrated in America. Just because they dont receive the media and commerical attention that holidays such as Christmas and Easter do doesnt mean they arent celebrated. Secondly, some holidays arent of the Christian religion, but are exactly the opposite-"paegan". Halloween has to do with evil spirits, ghosts, and trickery. The whole object of dressing up is to keep bad spirits away, which is not anywhere in any division of Christianity. The purpose of saying "Trick or Treat" while dressed up was originally a hoax to trick innocent people into believing that evil spirits were at their door and they were going to die if they didnt appease them. Thats not Christian either. Thirdly, its almost illegal to say "Christmas" anymore, it now has to be "X-mas" because of the misinterpretation of the first ammendment's freedom of religion. It was supposed to mean that the government can not establish any one religion as the national religion and can not persecute any person for observing another religion, but people nowadays interpret it as any talk of religion is unconstitutional. America recognizes all religious holidays.

[*reflection*]

^ i disagree. we get off for christmas and easter but not holidays of other religions. in some schoolsyou aren't even allowed to take a day off to celebrate your holiday. there are always christmas specials on tv but do you ever see specials for other holidays?

[b0st0ngrl]

Firstly, America recognizes holidays of other religions.  Hannukah, Yom Kippur, Boxing Day, Kwaanzah, Rosh Hasanah, and even Epiphany are all recognized and celebrated in America.

Wrong. Sure, they're mentioned on the calender, but I get counted absent for not going to school on Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

Thirdly, its almost illegal to say "Christmas" anymore, it now has to be "X-mas" because of the misinterpretation of the first ammendment's freedom of religion.

What do you mean it's illegal? Why would it be illegal to say "Christmas"? I don't get what that has to do with the first ammendment..

[*disco infiltrator*]

Firstly, America recognizes holidays of other religions.  Hannukah, Yom Kippur, Boxing Day, Kwaanzah, Rosh Hasanah, and even Epiphany are all recognized and celebrated in America.  Just because they dont receive the media and commerical attention that holidays such as Christmas and Easter do doesnt mean they arent celebrated.  Secondly, some holidays arent of the Christian religion, but are exactly the opposite-"paegan".  Halloween has to do with evil spirits, ghosts, and trickery.  The whole object of dressing up is to keep bad spirits away, which is not anywhere in any division of Christianity. The purpose of saying "Trick or Treat" while dressed up was originally a hoax to trick innocent people into believing that evil spirits were at their door and they were going to die if they didnt appease them.  Thats not Christian either.  Thirdly, its almost illegal to say "Christmas" anymore, it now has to be "X-mas" because of the misinterpretation of the first ammendment's freedom of religion.  It was supposed to mean that the government can not establish any one religion as the national religion and can not persecute any person for observing another religion, but people nowadays interpret it as any talk of religion is unconstitutional.  America recognizes all religious holidays.

Ok, please know what you're talking about before you speak.

Christmas is a NATIONAL HOLIDAY. Is Rosh Hashana a National holiday? Is Yom Kippur a National holiday? Is Hannukah a National holiday? No. And who ever said they weren't celebrated? Of course they're celebrated. We're talking about recognition here, not the amount of followers.

NEWSFLASH, Chrismas was brought about based on Pagan customs.
And did we ever say every single holiday that is recognized is Christian? No. That's obvious. New Years Day is another. We never said that. Please don't try to refute arguments that never took place.

America does not recognize all religious holidays. At all. Read through the thread before you post because every single one of your points has already been debated.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Um, there are a LOT of other holidays that are accepted, for example, Hannukah (sp?), Rosh Hasanah (sp? sorry terrible at spelling for jewish holiday ), and etc, but I don't think it's unfair that there are christian holidays that are being recognized by America. Afterall, no one is complaining about it and life is just okay for now. In fact, American celebrates any special holiday. In fact, I got 5 day offs on the first week of October because of a Jewish Holiday. The only Christian Holiday I know that we get a day-off for in America is Christmas and Good Friday...

[coconutter]

Whatever you get out of school for is a national holiday..

[*disco infiltrator*]

Um, there are a LOT of other holidays that are accepted, for example, Hannukah (sp?), Rosh Hasanah (sp? sorry terrible at spelling for jewish holiday ), and etc, but I don't think it's unfair that there are christian holidays that are being recognized by America. Afterall, no one is complaining about it and life is just okay for now. In fact, American celebrates any special holiday. In fact, I got 5 day offs on the first week of October because of a Jewish Holiday. The only Christian Holiday I know that we get a day-off for in America is Christmas and Good Friday...

THE THREAD IS ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS BEING RECOGNIZED. NOT ACCEPTED. HOLY CRAP.

rec·og·nize Audio pronunciation of "recognized" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (rkg-nz)
tr.v. rec·og·nized, rec·og·niz·ing, rec·og·niz·es

1. To know to be something that has been perceived before: recognize a face.
2. To know or identify from past experience or knowledge: recognize hostility.
3. To perceive or show acceptance of the validity or reality of: recognizes the concerns of the tenants.
4. To permit to address a meeting: The club's president recognized the new member.
5. To accept officially the national status of as a new government.
6. To show awareness of; approve of or appreciate: recognize services rendered.
7. To admit the acquaintance of, as by salutation: recognize an old friend with a cheerful greeting.
8. Law. To enter into a recognizance.
9. Biology. To exhibit recognition for (an antigen or a substrate, for example).


ac·cept Audio pronunciation of "accepted" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (k-spt)
v. ac·cept·ed, ac·cept·ing, ac·cepts
v. tr.

1. To receive (something offered), especially with gladness or approval: accepted a glass of water; accepted their contract.
2. To admit to a group, organization, or place: accepted me as a new member of the club.
3.
1. To regard as proper, usual, or right: Such customs are widely accepted.
2. To regard as true; believe in: Scientists have accepted the new theory.
3. To understand as having a specific meaning.
4. To endure resignedly or patiently: accept one's fate.
5.
1. To answer affirmatively: accept an invitation.
2. To agree to take (a duty or responsibility).
6. To be able to hold (something applied or inserted): This wood will not accept oil paints.
7. To receive officially: accept the committee's report.
8. To consent to pay, as by a signed agreement.
9. Medicine. To receive (a transplanted organ or tissue) without immunological rejection.




HANNUKAH IS NOT RECOGNIZED. THIS IS A FACT. STOP SAYING IT IS.
No Jewish, Muslim, Islam, etc. holiday is recognized besides Christian holidays.

You got off for Judaism? Well I didn't. AND I'M JEWISH.
And what do you mean no one is complaining? What the crap do you think this thread is about? It's unfair. For something to be noticeably unfair, people have to complain. I, myself, am complaining right now.

Only Christmas and Good Friday, eh? Well my friends can get off for Ash Wednesday and not be counted absent. And how about Easter? Any Christian holiday you can go to your school administration and ask to get off and you can without recieving penalty. I, however, cannot. I cannot choose to make a menorah during our 1st grade project while everyone is making Christmas trees, I must make the Christmas tree. I cannot ask "Hey, it's Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, so do you think I could get off to attend temple?" because I only get nos. I've tried it, trust me, it happens.

PLEASE DO NOT POST WITHOUT 1) READING THE THREAD, 2) KNOWING WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT, AND 3) TRYING TO SEE OUTSIDE YOUR LITTLE BOX.

[b0st0ngrl]

Only Christmas and Good Friday, eh? Well my friends can get off for Ash Wednesday and not be counted absent. And how about Easter? Any Christian holiday you can go to your school administration and ask to get off and you can without recieving penalty. I, however, cannot. I cannot choose to make a menorah during our 1st grade project while everyone is making Christmas trees, I must make the Christmas tree. I cannot ask "Hey, it's Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, so do you think I could get off to attend temple?" because I only get nos. I've tried it, trust me, it happens.

And in addition, school picture day was on Yom Kippur one year. If no one is going to realize that they put school picture day on a holiday that kids are going to be absent for, it definately isn't recognized.

[sadolakced acid]

you know what i want to do, to piss off christians?

make good friday into something dirty.

like...

"hey you want to come over to my house this friday? it's gooood friday"

and like... make it so that free porn is given away on good friday and such. and have a tradition of like... massively unchristian activities... with like, contests of committing all the deadly sins...

so there'd be eating contests... laziness contests... beauty contests... sex contests... etc.

i mean, that's effectively what they did with chirstmas and all...

hmmm...

[*disco infiltrator*]

Our picture day was on Yom Kippur this year.

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Okay, I know this is a little off topic from 'holidays' specifically..But I thought it fit in well enough.

Firstly, I 'do' agree that Christian holidays are unfairly..more..noted. Although, I guess it sadly just has something to do with how many more Christians there 'are' in America (including Canada), than the others. At least..in the positions that matter as to what holidays we get ang what not.

But you know what I heard about? o.O Get 'this' for unfair. Appearently for the past..Gah..long time, the Catholic church has been trying to get a "Sunday Law" passed. This law is supposed to force people to not have their bussinesses open on Sundays..and force them to attend Catholic church. No matter 'what' religion. And sadly, even though it seems ridiculous..Appearently there's been a lot of progress with certain world leaders to make this "law" truth. Scary, eh? o.o; They're trying to make every 'Sunday" a manditory Catholic/Christian holiday.

[ParanoidAndroid]

THE THREAD IS ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS BEING RECOGNIZED. NOT ACCEPTED. HOLY CRAP.

rec·og·nize  Audio pronunciation of "recognized" ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (rkg-nz)
tr.v. rec·og·nized, rec·og·niz·ing, rec·og·niz·es

  1. To know to be something that has been perceived before: recognize a face.
  2. To know or identify from past experience or knowledge: recognize hostility.
  3. To perceive or show acceptance of the validity or reality of: recognizes the concerns of the tenants.
  4. To permit to address a meeting: The club's president recognized the new member.
  5. To accept officially the national status of as a new government.
  6. To show awareness of; approve of or appreciate: recognize services rendered.
  7. To admit the acquaintance of, as by salutation: recognize an old friend with a cheerful greeting.
  8. Law. To enter into a recognizance.
  9. Biology. To exhibit recognition for (an antigen or a substrate, for example).
ac·cept  Audio pronunciation of "accepted" ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (k-spt)
v. ac·cept·ed, ac·cept·ing, ac·cepts
v. tr.

  1. To receive (something offered), especially with gladness or approval: accepted a glass of water; accepted their contract.
  2. To admit to a group, organization, or place: accepted me as a new member of the club.
  3.
        1. To regard as proper, usual, or right: Such customs are widely accepted.
        2. To regard as true; believe in: Scientists have accepted the new theory.
        3. To understand as having a specific meaning.
  4. To endure resignedly or patiently: accept one's fate.
  5.
        1. To answer affirmatively: accept an invitation.
        2. To agree to take (a duty or responsibility).
  6. To be able to hold (something applied or inserted): This wood will not accept oil paints.
  7. To receive officially: accept the committee's report.
  8. To consent to pay, as by a signed agreement.
  9. Medicine. To receive (a transplanted organ or tissue) without immunological rejection.
HANNUKAH IS NOT RECOGNIZED. THIS IS A FACT. STOP SAYING IT IS.
No Jewish, Muslim, Islam, etc. holiday is recognized besides Christian holidays.

You got off for Judaism? Well I didn't. AND I'M JEWISH.
And what do you mean no one is complaining? What the crap do you think this thread is about? It's unfair. For something to be noticeably unfair, people have to complain. I, myself, am complaining right now.

Only Christmas and Good Friday, eh? Well my friends can get off for Ash Wednesday and not be counted absent. And how about Easter? Any Christian holiday you can go to your school administration and ask to get off and you can without recieving penalty. I, however, cannot. I cannot choose to make a menorah during our 1st grade project while everyone is making Christmas trees, I must make the Christmas tree. I cannot ask "Hey, it's Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, so do you think I could get off to attend temple?" because I only get nos. I've tried it, trust me, it happens.

PLEASE DO NOT POST WITHOUT 1) READING THE THREAD, 2) KNOWING WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT, AND 3) TRYING TO SEE OUTSIDE YOUR LITTLE BOX.

holy f**king shit...chill

alright alright...and yes i did read the whole thread..maybe i misinterpreted?

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Actually, as unfair as it is to you that Christian holidays are more recognized here..There 'are' many places in the world where people cant even 'participate' in christianity..o.o;..I guess..maybe it..somehow..evens out..

Not that I'm defending it. Just stating.

[uLoVeMikeRoch]

...

That makes no sense at all.

Their religion is what they believe. It's what/how they think.

Are you stupid or retarted?

Shes saying that if their religion says vote bush, that doesn't mean you should vote for him just because you religion says so.

[Mulder]

...

That makes no sense at all.

Their religion is what they believe. It's what/how they think.

i really disagree with that. if a cristian preacher says that all christians should vote for ____ (republican or democrat), then you're saying they should vote for that candidate only because a preacher said to. not because they studied the campaigns and knew their stances on the issues. their vote should be influenced by their religion, among other things, but should not take precedence when deciding who to vote for.

[Spirited Away]

Actually, as unfair as it is to you that Christian holidays are more recognized here..There 'are' many places in the world where people cant even 'participate' in christianity..o.o;..I guess..maybe it..somehow..evens out..
Not that I'm defending it. Just stating.

Well, that is why the topic is rather specific about Christian holidays in America, not elsewhere. Also, there are places in the world where people can't participate in any religion, let alone Christianity, so no, I don't think it evens out. The proof of that is in the Christian population.

This post has been edited by Spirited Away: Oct 30 2005, 12:03 AM

[sadolakced acid]

Actually, as unfair as it is to you that Christian holidays are more recognized here..There 'are' many places in the world where people cant even 'participate' in christianity..o.o;..I guess..maybe it..somehow..evens out..

Not that I'm defending it. Just stating.

name one country that specifically bans christiantiy and only chirstianity.

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Well, that is why the topic is rather specific about Christian holidays in America, not elsewhere. Also, there are places in the world where people can't participate in any religion, let alone Christianity, so no, I don't think it evens out. The proof of that is in the Christian population.

I know that. I guess "evens out" was a bad choice of words. I'm just trying to say that each place has it's own..battles with religions. And each place will have its..hm.."recognized" religion. Not just America. I cant name a "specific" country right now, because I just woke up..and my bf's the big Christian, anyhoo..so he normally knows those little facts..<.<..Cause I just simply cant remember. i know there 'are' countries that dont allow it, though. Heck, there are countries that will 'beat' you if you are caught practising it. o.O

Again..It's not that I 'agree' with it all.

[timeflies51]

it depends where you live.

in my school, we don't get off for any jewish holiday. not hanukkah, not passover, not for the high holy days (rosh hashanah and yom kippur).

however, at my grandmother's school where she teaches, they at least get off for the high holy days.

the difference is that in my school district, there are barely any jews.

in her school district, there are tons.

i know that if we did get off for those holidays nobody else would care. at my grandmother's school, non-jews will go on vacation.

i do sort of wish the holidays would be more recognized. not only for jewish holidays, but for other religious holidays as well. when you go to the mall what do you see? a giant christmas tree or a giant menorah?

exactly.

they're recognized because the majority of the nation is christian. i'm sure people just don't want to bother with the religions that don't take up a large majority. i mean, then you'd need days for not only judaism, islam, and religions like that, but what about wicca, unitarians, and even atheists?

[racoons > you]

and even atheists?

are there athiest holidays? i mean, holidays where people get together specifically to celebrate the non-existence of god?

im genuinely interested, not trying to nit-pick. although, nit-picking is always good too.

and regardless of whether it is possible for you to get an excused absence for the holiday of your choice, as sammi rightly pointed out, doesnt mean it is 'recognized' formally by the school. it just means that they are aware that other religions exist and have a basic knowledge of the bill of rights.

oh and sammi, id take the denied excused absence thing up with the school board if i were you.

[WindSorcerous]

America is a christian-based country with a christian-based society. It's not fair or equal but we can't do anything about it. This is why we need a separation of church and state...

American has grown so much with hundreds of different religions spread all across from the east to the west coast. It seems outdated and immature to still have the same mentality as it did when it first became a country...

[racoons > you]

It's not fair or equal but we can't do anything about it. This is why we need a separation of church and state

you realize its something of a ontradiction to say that there's nothing we can do, and then suggest a solution, right?

[*disco infiltrator*]

are there athiest holidays? i mean, holidays where people get together specifically to celebrate the non-existence of god?

im genuinely interested, not trying to nit-pick. although, nit-picking is always good too.

and regardless of whether it is possible for you to get an excused absence for the holiday of your choice, as sammi rightly pointed out, doesnt mean it is 'recognized' formally by the school. it just means that they are aware that other religions exist and have a basic knowledge of the bill of rights.

oh and sammi, id take the denied excused absence thing up with the school board if i were you.

The school board, um, wouldn't care. Trust me. I know who's on my school board. Two of them would be like, "That's not right.." but the other three would be all, "Most of our school is Christian and you already have breaks for that even though you don't need it, so be happy."

[racoons > you]

well take it to the state level

[*disco infiltrator*]

Haha, James, I don't live in California or New York or something...

[racoons > you]

i know... bu tim preparing to challenge the school tommorrow as the y are going to try and force me to cut my hair, and im going to have to argue with the fuhrer

[AngryBaby]

come on guys, we are getting a little off topic arent we? hmmmm? i mean gosh, you guys are outta control ;)

[racoons > you]

DONT chastise and then fail to contribute yourself.

naughty maughty

[ParanoidAndroid]

name one country that specifically bans christiantiy and only chirstianity.

*cough* muslim countries like Iraq...

[racoons > you]

they dont ban ONLY christianity.

read the question

[ParanoidAndroid]

well they ban christianity thats for sure...

but the only reason why christianity is rarely banned is because Christians populated the Earth with their hypocritical teachings back in the early years

[*disco infiltrator*]

They don't ban it..do you know anything about those countries? Their country is governed solely on the Muslim religion and people don't have to specifically practice that, but if they live there, they must adhere to the Muslim laws.

[Spirited Away]

I know that. I guess "evens out" was a bad choice of words. I'm just trying to say that each place has it's own..battles with religions. And each place will have its..hm.."recognized" religion. Not just America. I cant name a "specific" country right now, because I just woke up..and my bf's the big Christian, anyhoo..so he normally knows those little facts..<.<..Cause I just simply cant remember. i know there 'are' countries that dont allow it, though. Heck, there are countries that will 'beat' you if you are caught practising it. o.O
Again..It's not that I 'agree' with it all.

Well, I think I can understand where you're coming from, but in those same countries that Christians would be beaten, people of faiths not of the majority probably would be beaten, too. It is not fair to focus on one group's persecution while others suffer the same fate.

*cough* muslim countries like Iraq...

well they ban christianity thats for sure...
but the only reason why christianity is rarely banned is because Christians populated the Earth with their hypocritical teachings back in the early years

If you were a true conservative, or orthodox Christian and own a country, are you saying that you will tolerate, and allow people to practice religions other than your own? While that's commendable for you if your answer is positive, history proves otherwise.

Will you PLEASE explain to me how Iraq bans Christianity and ONLY Christianity, if at all (you may be misinterpreting things)? Why do you all put so much emphasis on one religion and conveniently ignore others?

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Well, I think I can understand where you're coming from, but in those same countries that Christians would be beaten, people of faiths not of the majority probably would be beaten, too. It is not fair to focus on one group's persecution while others suffer the same fate.
If you were a true conservative, or orthodox Christian and own a country, are you saying that you will tolerate, and allow people to practice religions other than your own? While that's commendable for you if your answer is positive, history proves otherwise.

Will you PLEASE explain to me how Iraq bans Christianity and ONLY Christianity, if at all (you may be misinterpreting things)? Why do you all put so much emphasis on one religion and conveniently ignore others?

I'm glad you can see what I mean, at least. But I wanna state I wasnt trying to only point out only Christianity not being accepted..I was just using it as an example because that's the religion people are meantioning as being too recognized here. Just that, yes...it may be unfairly over recognized in America..But in other countries it's a 'different' religion that's unfairly recognized.

[Spirited Away]

I'm glad you can see what I mean, at least. But I wanna state I wasnt trying to only point out only Christianity not being accepted..I was just using it as an example because that's the religion people are meantioning as being too recognized here. Just that, yes...it may be unfairly over recognized in America..But in other countries it's a 'different' religion that's unfairly recognized.

I would agree completely had you worded it this way: "in other countries, it's among religions that are unfairly recognized", because for sure if Christians are unfairly treated, people of other faiths would be in the same boat.

[*reflection*]

I'm glad you can see what I mean, at least. But I wanna state I wasnt trying to only point out only Christianity not being accepted..I was just using it as an example because that's the religion people are meantioning as being too recognized here. Just that, yes...it may be unfairly over recognized in America..But in other countries it's a 'different' religion that's unfairly recognized.

yes thats true but i i think its unfair in america because this is the land of the free yet we cant get off on our religious holidays

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

yes thats true but i i think its unfair in america because this is the land of the free yet we cant get off on our religious holidays

No offence meant by this, But I think "land of the free" is more wishful thinking, than truth. And I dont mean just in religion. But that's not for this debate, I guess. Kinda off subject. <.<