02 Dec '09 16:51>
As the holiday season approaches, I would like to extend Winter Solstice Greetings to everyone at RHP. Wishing every one good health and good chess for 2010 and beyond!
Originally posted by PalynkaActually, celebrating the solstice was an ancient holiday celebrated before Xmas and the Christians borrowed it to make it their own. The ancient astronomers perceived what is now 12/25 as the 1st day the the sun started trekking to the north again.
Exactly, but then there's no holiday season associated with it.
Originally posted by 667joeWhat's your problem with celebrating christmas as a cultural event?
Actually, celebrating the solstice was an ancient holiday celebrated before Xmas and the Christians borrowed it to make it their own. The ancient astronomers perceived what is now 12/25 as the 1st day the the sun started trekking to the north again.
Originally posted by 667joeYeah I get all the historical significance of the solstice and the christian takeover of the holiday. It just strikes me as a bit over the top.
The solstice applies to everybody. A minority of the world is Christian. If you are a Christian, please enjoy your holiday, but have the decency to realize some people you wish a merry Xmas to may take umbrage just as you seem to have taken umbrage with me. Remember, though, Xmas can be avoided, but you will experience the solstice no matter what, so you ...[text shortened]... ter, so you see, you are really celebrating the solstice. Christians plagiarized the holiday!
Originally posted by 667joeChristmas is a synthesis of any number of solar myths. Wotan is never far away.
The solstice applies to everybody. A minority of the world is Christian. If you are a Christian, please enjoy your holiday, but have the decency to realize some people you wish a merry Xmas to may take umbrage just as you seem to have taken umbrage with me. Remember, though, Xmas can be avoided, but you will experience the solstice no matter what, so you ...[text shortened]... ter, so you see, you are really celebrating the solstice. Christians plagiarized the holiday!
Originally posted by Bosse de NageGood point, although I'm not sure that was Joe's point. He's having a go at any sign of religious celebration in a community.
You'd pretty much have to be a Scrooge.