Today is Easter and once again, I’m thinking about religion, traditions and holidays.
Many years ago, I learned in an undergrad religious philosophy course that the dates of Christian Holy Days (ask Holidays) were selected to coincide with the dates of preexisting polytheistic Roman and Greek holidays, which in turn were based on paganistic holidays that were based on nature, witchcraft and seasonal changes.
Which brings me back to Easter. This year it’s on April 20. Last year it was on March 31. The date changes because Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox.
Does that sound like the date Jesus came back from the dead?
How can anyone really believe this?
How about Christmas? Do you believe that December 24th the night that a virgin traveled to Bethlehem and gave birth to Jesus the next day?
Strangely enough, this date coincides with the Ancient Roman week-long festival honoring the god Saturn, with feasting, gift-giving, and revelry, which often occurred in mid-December (sound familiar?)
It also coincides with the winter solstice holidays of the Norse (Yule) and the Germans (honoring the god Oden).
With just a little bit of reading, it becomes clear that Holidays aren’t so holy after all.
There’s nothing wrong with celebrations on specific days of the year. They mark the passage of time, carry on traditions, encourage gatherings of family & friends, and set aside time for reflection, celebration and socializing.
That’s all good stuff.
As for the “holiness” of these dates, it’s up to you to decide what works for you. Please just don’t expect me to buy into it.