It is Christmas in the United States. Merry Christmas to all the Christians here! I had a bit of Christian Guilt earlier today. Not being a Christian, it made me question a few things. Buddhists do not have the guilt cycle that is inherent with Christianity and Islam. So I ran across this e-card which was also remotely related, so figured Id add it in as well. More-or-less as a self evaluation of priorities during this holiday. Most seem to lose touch with what it is really about. Being a Buddhist, I have decided I will not participate in a holiday that actually has nothing to do with my religion. I do not participate in Ramadan or Hanukkah, or even a huge amount of other non-Buddhist holidays as well. Does not mean I will not send my best wishes to those I know that are Christian. However, I will give the gift of knowledge to everyone. Which you may or may not choose to ignore. And that is about proper Seasons Greetings. There are none. Saying Merry Christmas to someone who is not a Christian is improper. Saying Happy Holidays to someone is improper. (Lot of Christians in the U.S. are probably cheering over me saying that one.) Saying Happy Hanukkah to someone of the Jewish Faith is not only improper it is a bit insulting as well on many levels. So. Lets explain. If you know someone is Christian, then yes, Merry Christmas is indeed appropriate. Otherwise it is marginalizing and degrading what they may believe. Same goes for a response. If someone greets you with Merry Christmas, and you do not know their religion, the response should be: Thank you! Are you Christian as well? and if so, Merry Christmas. If not, Thank you so much, how very kind of you!. Very simple. Need another viewpoint? You do not see me greeting Christians Happy Vesak! (That isnt the actual greeting.) on The Buddhas celebrated day. Why? Because you would say, Umm... Im not Buddhist. That has no meaning for me. Nor would I expect you to return the greeting. Maybe a, Get away from me you crazy bald man! followed by a kick in my direction. Now that I would expect. Also. Hi, Hello, How are you?, Good to see you!, all those ALWAYS work. And are appropriate no matter what the other persons faith is. Now, why Happy Holidays is an issue? Just which Holidays are you greeting them for? I am going to assume New Years is one. The Winter Solace? Again. Not every religion as a holiday around that time of year. So you are trying to be Inclusive and include them in Christmas. It is not needed, and in many cases not wanted. And a bit offensive as well. Because it is saying Our religion is better, so we are going to include you, whether you like it or not.. And last. My favorite. Happy Hanukkah. I have no idea which Christian came up with this. But wow. You almost could not get more insulting unless you spit in someones face of the Jewish faith. Hanukkah is a solemn holiday. Which means there is *nothing* happy about it. The 8 day period is about infighting between two Jewish sects. A bit of stumbling in their faith in God. And a miracle performed by God to restore that faith. So saying Happy Hanukkah, is a bit like saying. Haha! You messed up! Good luck making THAT up with God. (Not kidding.) I actually had an explanation that a Jewish person gave me. An interpretation that he mentally did when someone (American Christian) said Happy Hanukkah to him. Ill not post it. Anyhow. I hope you get the point here. It isnt to degrade Christians. Completely the opposite in fact. These are greetings that Christians give around this time of year that non-Christians view as offensive. And frankly many non-Christians view as being unChristian-like behavior. So I hope this helps widen viewpoints a bit. I hope all the Christians have a Merry Christmas and a joyous and wonderful day. Please remember that the day is neither about giving or receiving. My very best wishes to all of you, and your families. --- (And now for some humour...) Sneak peak at next year... I will likely cover one of the following topics: Does Johnny need 27 presents? Four months of Christmas lights...really? Six weeks of the top 100 Xmas songs...over...and over...again...and again. (For a single day in the year?)
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 17:30:21 +0000
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