Are door wreaths religious?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a religious season. You are free to culturally appropriate our religious holiday as an excuse for consumption or home decor, but it doesn’t change the fact that a Christmas wreath is a Christmas wreath.

You have that backwards. Christians have co-opted pagan traditions and commercial efforts.

This is rich, seeing as how Christians "culturally appropriated" the Jewish religion and called it their own!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a religious season. You are free to culturally appropriate our religious holiday as an excuse for consumption or home decor, but it doesn’t change the fact that a Christmas wreath is a Christmas wreath.

You have that backwards. Christians have co-opted pagan traditions and commercial efforts.

The only people who believe this are the people on this board who want to feel better about using a religious holiday of a faith they despise to feel a part of something cultural. Because the only culture they have left is ideology.

Riiight . . . is there any biblical support for Christmas? Much less Christmas wreaths? You do know that Jesus was a Jew who lived in a desert. Not a whole lot of Douglas firs in Jerusalem.

[Anonymous]

I don't know. I'm a reform Jew who goes to synagogue fairly often, and I have a wreath on my door.

Doesn't make me not Jewish. I just like greenery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a religious season. You are free to culturally appropriate our religious holiday as an excuse for consumption or home decor, but it doesn’t change the fact that a Christmas wreath is a Christmas wreath.

You have that backwards. Christians have co-opted pagan traditions and commercial efforts.

The only people who believe this are the people on this board who want to feel better about using a religious holiday of a faith they despise to feel a part of something cultural. Because the only culture they have left is ideology.

Riiight . . . is there any biblical support for Christmas? Much less Christmas wreaths? You do know that Jesus was a Jew who lived in a desert. Not a whole lot of Douglas firs in Jerusalem.

Jesus needed a birth day and the Romans happened to settle on Saturnalia at a time when they were trying to convert the populace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol “averse to Christmas?”

you sound judgmental AF.

This is so mean. I grew up in a religious Jewish home and my mother was extremely "averse to Christmas" and drew offense at anything related to Christmas. I was not because she was judgmental. It was because she was forced to practice Christian customs as a child even though she was Jewish. This includes saying daily prayers in public school. There is a long-standing tradition of expecting non-Christians to celebrate the birth of someone else's Lord and Savior and it's offensive. A Christmas-style wreath would never have been displayed in her home.

Same - all of it. I think only Christians think wreaths are totally secular, honestly. I was just thinking about this yesterday because I saw a nice holiday flag in front of someone's house, who I know is Jewish - and it just struck me how much those lessons from my childhood stuck. We don't decorate for Christmas - not even adjacent to Christmas. Maybe one day I will get over that and put up some festive stuff, but now it still feels wrong.

I think there’s a difference between trying to retain Jewish (or Muslim or Hindi) traditions in a US culture that sometimes shoves Christianity at you, and being agnostic/atheist. I’m atheist but we do a holiday tree, put lights around the house, exchange gifts, and do things like attend holiday markets and bake holiday treats. To me it is just a way to get through winter, and I’m of European pagan ancestry so I view all those traditions as belonging to my German, Scandi, and Irish heritage. But I don’t believe Jesus was the son of god and am not Christian. I wouldn’t put up a nativity scene or an advent wreath, but I’d put up an evergreen wreath or red and green lights.

That's probably right. And I wonder if the fact that I am a very very secular Jew influences my thoughts here, too - basically, being a secular Jew means you are NOT Christian. It's always standing in opposition to the dominant culture in the US - the Christian culture. Maybe if I were more reliigious myself, I'd also feel more comfortable dabbling in things like wreaths and Christmas decorations.

Hm. I need to think on this.

Yes, I think the people who argue that decorated pine trees, wreaths, Santa, etc. are not Christian are generally people who come from culturally Christian backgrounds--they may not be religious themselves, but if you go back in their family tree far enough (and it's usually not too far!) you'll see that their family is Christian. As a Jew, all of these things read Christian to me--maybe not religious, but culturally Christian. I think it's a bit of majority privilege to insist that these things have nothing to do with Christmas, or even that Christmas is no longer a Christian holiday. It sure ain't a Jewish or Muslim holiday!

I’m the PP who first made this distinction and it’s not about being from a Christian background to me (I’m not). I view a lot of the decorations as being derived from European pagan, which is my heritage. I don’t even call it Christmas, just “the holidays” and I teach my kids about the scientific and cultural significance of winter solstice and explain that we decorate and put up lights to brighten things up during the darkest days. We also talk about how many religions have celebrations involving light and joy this time of year, from advent candles to Hanukkah to Diwali to Saturnalia. But as non-believers, we don’t celebrate those religions. I’m no more likely to light an advent wreath than a menorah, both of which would feel like appropriation to me.

But I think the reason I can do this and many if my Jewish, Muslim, and Hindi friends a neighbors would not is that I can view wreaths and holiday trees and twinkly lights as part of my cultural heritage and distinct from Christmas. But if you are Jewish or from a non-European background, adopting these traditions could easily feel like losing some of your own cultural traditions. I get that and totally understand why what I do might seem “Christian” to doneobe from one of those backgrounds. But it’s not, at all. I was not raised Christian, have never been to church other than other people’s weddings, and don’t celebrate Christmas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol “averse to Christmas?”

you sound judgmental AF.

This is so mean. I grew up in a religious Jewish home and my mother was extremely "averse to Christmas" and drew offense at anything related to Christmas. I was not because she was judgmental. It was because she was forced to practice Christian customs as a child even though she was Jewish. This includes saying daily prayers in public school. There is a long-standing tradition of expecting non-Christians to celebrate the birth of someone else's Lord and Savior and it's offensive. A Christmas-style wreath would never have been displayed in her home.

Same - all of it. I think only Christians think wreaths are totally secular, honestly. I was just thinking about this yesterday because I saw a nice holiday flag in front of someone's house, who I know is Jewish - and it just struck me how much those lessons from my childhood stuck. We don't decorate for Christmas - not even adjacent to Christmas. Maybe one day I will get over that and put up some festive stuff, but now it still feels wrong.

I think there’s a difference between trying to retain Jewish (or Muslim or Hindi) traditions in a US culture that sometimes shoves Christianity at you, and being agnostic/atheist. I’m atheist but we do a holiday tree, put lights around the house, exchange gifts, and do things like attend holiday markets and bake holiday treats. To me it is just a way to get through winter, and I’m of European pagan ancestry so I view all those traditions as belonging to my German, Scandi, and Irish heritage. But I don’t believe Jesus was the son of god and am not Christian. I wouldn’t put up a nativity scene or an advent wreath, but I’d put up an evergreen wreath or red and green lights.

That's probably right. And I wonder if the fact that I am a very very secular Jew influences my thoughts here, too - basically, being a secular Jew means you are NOT Christian. It's always standing in opposition to the dominant culture in the US - the Christian culture. Maybe if I were more reliigious myself, I'd also feel more comfortable dabbling in things like wreaths and Christmas decorations.

Hm. I need to think on this.

Yes, I think the people who argue that decorated pine trees, wreaths, Santa, etc. are not Christian are generally people who come from culturally Christian backgrounds--they may not be religious themselves, but if you go back in their family tree far enough (and it's usually not too far!) you'll see that their family is Christian. As a Jew, all of these things read Christian to me--maybe not religious, but culturally Christian. I think it's a bit of majority privilege to insist that these things have nothing to do with Christmas, or even that Christmas is no longer a Christian holiday. It sure ain't a Jewish or Muslim holiday!

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol “averse to Christmas?”

you sound judgmental AF.

This is so mean. I grew up in a religious Jewish home and my mother was extremely "averse to Christmas" and drew offense at anything related to Christmas. I was not because she was judgmental. It was because she was forced to practice Christian customs as a child even though she was Jewish. This includes saying daily prayers in public school. There is a long-standing tradition of expecting non-Christians to celebrate the birth of someone else's Lord and Savior and it's offensive. A Christmas-style wreath would never have been displayed in her home.

Well, who forced her to do that? Her family? Don’t lay that on the rest of us. And as we all know, schools don’t do that anymore. It’s the 21st century last I checked.

To be “averse to Christianity” is bigoted.

[Anonymous]

Wreaths are pagan. Christians stole nearly every "Christmas" tradition from Yule and Solstice. It's cute that they truly believe they are celebrating the birth of Christ with Christmas trees, lights, evergreen, gifts, food, etc. You are participating in ancient festivals celebrated by people for thousands and thousands of years. Long before Jesus entered the scene.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol “averse to Christmas?”

you sound judgmental AF.

This is so mean. I grew up in a religious Jewish home and my mother was extremely "averse to Christmas" and drew offense at anything related to Christmas. I was not because she was judgmental. It was because she was forced to practice Christian customs as a child even though she was Jewish. This includes saying daily prayers in public school. There is a long-standing tradition of expecting non-Christians to celebrate the birth of someone else's Lord and Savior and it's offensive. A Christmas-style wreath would never have been displayed in her home.

Same - all of it. I think only Christians think wreaths are totally secular, honestly. I was just thinking about this yesterday because I saw a nice holiday flag in front of someone's house, who I know is Jewish - and it just struck me how much those lessons from my childhood stuck. We don't decorate for Christmas - not even adjacent to Christmas. Maybe one day I will get over that and put up some festive stuff, but now it still feels wrong.

I think there’s a difference between trying to retain Jewish (or Muslim or Hindi) traditions in a US culture that sometimes shoves Christianity at you, and being agnostic/atheist. I’m atheist but we do a holiday tree, put lights around the house, exchange gifts, and do things like attend holiday markets and bake holiday treats. To me it is just a way to get through winter, and I’m of European pagan ancestry so I view all those traditions as belonging to my German, Scandi, and Irish heritage. But I don’t believe Jesus was the son of god and am not Christian. I wouldn’t put up a nativity scene or an advent wreath, but I’d put up an evergreen wreath or red and green lights.

That's probably right. And I wonder if the fact that I am a very very secular Jew influences my thoughts here, too - basically, being a secular Jew means you are NOT Christian. It's always standing in opposition to the dominant culture in the US - the Christian culture. Maybe if I were more reliigious myself, I'd also feel more comfortable dabbling in things like wreaths and Christmas decorations.

Hm. I need to think on this.

Yes, I think the people who argue that decorated pine trees, wreaths, Santa, etc. are not Christian are generally people who come from culturally Christian backgrounds--they may not be religious themselves, but if you go back in their family tree far enough (and it's usually not too far!) you'll see that their family is Christian. As a Jew, all of these things read Christian to me--maybe not religious, but culturally Christian. I think it's a bit of majority privilege to insist that these things have nothing to do with Christmas, or even that Christmas is no longer a Christian holiday. It sure ain't a Jewish or Muslim holiday!

+1

Eh. I'm a witch. All of those things are pagen in my mind. I'm also a big Jesus fan. But, I understand that Christmas is an appropriated holiday. If it were truly about the birth of the Messiah, don't you think it would be a little more about Jesus and less about Santa, everygreens, candy, presents, lights, food, etc... Also, Jesus wasn't born in December.

[Anonymous]

I’m Hindu, we’re a wreath house. I have a different wreath out all year. I love the smell of a fresh evergreen wreath. Just like I love the smell of my jasmine plant near the front door and my rose bushes that line our walkway.

I don’t decorate for Christmas specifically. I leave the lights up that I hung for Diwali. And I get my fragrant wreath to switch out my autumn styled one. I love nature and marking the changing seasons.

If a wreath means celebrating Jesus to you, great. I don’t care if you strip Yoga from its religious roots so please don’t mind if I do the same.

[Anonymous]

I am an atheist who loves Christmas wreaths, trees, lights, and Santa. I don’t care what you think, but you are sorely mistaken if you interpret my decorating as signifying that we are in any way religious. I know that there are many, many others like us. Peace!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol “averse to Christmas?”

you sound judgmental AF.

This is so mean. I grew up in a religious Jewish home and my mother was extremely "averse to Christmas" and drew offense at anything related to Christmas. I was not because she was judgmental. It was because she was forced to practice Christian customs as a child even though she was Jewish. This includes saying daily prayers in public school. There is a long-standing tradition of expecting non-Christians to celebrate the birth of someone else's Lord and Savior and it's offensive. A Christmas-style wreath would never have been displayed in her home.

Well, who forced her to do that? Her family? Don’t lay that on the rest of us. And as we all know, schools don’t do that anymore. It’s the 21st century last I checked.

To be “averse to Christianity” is bigoted.

WTF are you talking about? No, her orthodox Jewish family did not force her to practice Christianity. And you are out of touch if you don't think that we are always a Trump-appointed-judge's decision away from bringing Christian prayers back into public schools. I'm sorry that your narrow minded feelings were hurt. Why don't you pray to Jesus and ask him what he would do?

[Anonymous]

They are advent wreaths, not Christmas wreaths. So technically only for adventists, not Christians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a religious season. You are free to culturally appropriate our religious holiday as an excuse for consumption or home decor, but it doesn’t change the fact that a Christmas wreath is a Christmas wreath.

But all wreaths are not Christmas wreaths. Lots of us put them out for the season. I do Fall, Spring, and Winter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am an atheist who loves Christmas wreaths, trees, lights, and Santa. I don’t care what you think, but you are sorely mistaken if you interpret my decorating as signifying that we are in any way religious. I know that there are many, many others like us. Peace!

and peace to you. I couldn't agree more.