We are in the midst of the winter holiday season. It is a good time to reflect on the special nature of our history. Certainly, the traditions passed to us from our childhood tend to be repeated from year to year until we begin to define the traditional holidays as what we grew up enjoying. More recently, some families have become less traditional, with family gatherings at Thanksgiving but Christmas more flexible, like ski trips or holidays some place warm. Children are out of school longer. This year may be the exception, with concerns about whether they can afford trips away from home.
In America, we have our traditions, but we are a nation of many ethnicities. Sometimes, the majority overlooks the traditions and customs of smaller populations of Americans. I found some interesting traditions among smaller American cultures.
German emigrants observed Krampus Night. when the Christmas Devil scared bad children. The next day, Saint Nicholas rewarded children who were good. Germans represent a rather large number of early settlers in America, and they brought many traditions.
Hindus, who now represent perhaps 3 million citizens in America today, celebrate the Winter Solstice.
St. Nichola comes from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, representing a population in America of 11 percent. Their practice was giving gifts. They called St. Nicholas Sinterklaas, which evolved to our Santa Claus.
On December 8, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, on which thy remember Buddha, who determined to sit under a tree until he was enlightened. The memory of his decision is honored by studying and meditation and also performing kind acts.
Latin countries have a religious holiday recognizing Mary's nine month's pregnancy. Jewish families celebrate an eight-day festival by lighting a candle on the menorah. A more recently created group, called Kwanzaa, is a holiday honoring Africa culture,
These are only some examples of the various faiths in America, past and present. Without agreeing or condemning the faith of others, from the past or the present, it is relevant to remember that faith came to America from its beginning. Part of that is the wisdom of the founding fathers to respect the faith of Americans, whether of the majority or the minority or the nonbelievers.
4 comments:
Very appropriate to remember this history? Thanks.
Good overview of holiday culture. Many thanks and Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays to all your readers as I do not know their particular culture.
Noticed you did not mention any Indigenous traditions. Perhaps we are just more sensitive in Canada after the truth and reconciliation commission.
Have been watching the American Revolution on TV. The action of the American Militia in the Ohio make us appreciate the situation in Canada where the majority of the abuse was in the hands of the churches .
As bad as it was in Canada it could have been worse.
Which is context for why I prefer to say "Happy Holidays." It is out of respect for other cultures, religions, and agnostics.
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