Establishing Traditions
23 Dec
I’m a pretty vocal atheist. I disagree with most of what religion has to offer and what it tries to browbeat into people. The sad thing is, in my search for truth and science, I’ve managed to steamroll over one of the best things religion has to offer: traditions.
Trees, decorations, and family dinners don't have to die.
Traditions come in all shapes or sizes. One of the best things about them is that they’re an excuse for family and friends to gather at a particular place and celebrate life. These celebrations happen at different times of year based on which religion you happen to follow. For Christians, Christmas is one of the biggest, followed closely by Easter.
I remember a few much about those holidays growing up. The most memorable are the big, decorated tree and the presents, the dresses and the egg hunt. What’s interesting is that in both of those traditional celebrations, the secular things are what stuck out for me. It occurred to me not long ago that just because I’ve eschewed religion, I don’t have to throw the baby out with the bath water.
I’m going to start my own traditions. I hope to steal profusely from many different religions and common practices.
One of my most missed traditions from the pagan religion I began to practice and study as a teenager is the spacing of the holidays. Most pagan paths celebrate eight holidays spread out evenly throughout the year. This is awesome and a great excuse to drag the closer family members together every few months.
December holds Yule, which celebrates the Winter Solstice. This marks a time where the winter begins to fade and the sun is returning to the earth. It typically falls on the 20th or 21st. I’m willing to fudge the date a little for the sake of celebrating when everyone is on vacation for the standard Christmas break.
This year marks the first winter with my sister nearby in years. Thanksgiving was a great start to a year of holiday traditions. With the Hobgoblin ripping up wrapping paper, some tasty food, and some terrible gifts, we’re bound to start a solstice tradition that will last us for years.
I am glad you are finding some common ground with the Deists, tho yours is much older I believe.
-Dug
I’m not entirely sure that “there are things worth celebrating every year” counts as common ground. Heh.
Heathen! Have you forgotten Pi Day and Darwin Day?
*snicker*
Never! Naturally, those are venerated days. I mean… who needs an excuse to eat pie?
Fantastic! I’m right with you on all counts!
Best-
Jeff