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Merry Christmahanakwanzayule
State-owned 'holiday tree' not accurate or fair to other faiths
Nathaniel Shuda
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Editorial/Opinion
"The menorah has a name attached to it," Gaylor said in the Herald article. "The tree is owned by the state. It does not require a permit because it's put up by the state."
In fact, no matter what the religion, the timing for most December holidays stems from indigenous traditions, with the concept of decorating trees coming from pagan ritual, she said.
While I agree with Schneider's proposed resolution, Gaylor does make a valid point. If the state owns the tree, it makes sense that people would support it being called a "holiday tree." But no matter what you call it, "it is what it is," as Schneider put it in the Herald article - it's still a Christmas tree.
With that said, I do find it somewhat disturbing that by having a state-owned Christmas tree, it could send the message that the state favors Christianity. A solution to this would be to either find a private organization to pay for the tree or for the state to sponsor the other objects of importance as well.
In a nation founded on freedom of religion, I think it's important that the government not support any particular religious holiday but rather foster an "all-or-nothing" attitude when it comes to the holiday season. It is in that spirit that I wish you all happy holidays, and a very merry Christmahanakwanzayule!
Oh, and Happy St. Nicholas Day too, by the way.
In fact, no matter what the religion, the timing for most December holidays stems from indigenous traditions, with the concept of decorating trees coming from pagan ritual, she said.
While I agree with Schneider's proposed resolution, Gaylor does make a valid point. If the state owns the tree, it makes sense that people would support it being called a "holiday tree." But no matter what you call it, "it is what it is," as Schneider put it in the Herald article - it's still a Christmas tree.
With that said, I do find it somewhat disturbing that by having a state-owned Christmas tree, it could send the message that the state favors Christianity. A solution to this would be to either find a private organization to pay for the tree or for the state to sponsor the other objects of importance as well.
In a nation founded on freedom of religion, I think it's important that the government not support any particular religious holiday but rather foster an "all-or-nothing" attitude when it comes to the holiday season. It is in that spirit that I wish you all happy holidays, and a very merry Christmahanakwanzayule!
Oh, and Happy St. Nicholas Day too, by the way.
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