It's a 'Christmas' Tree in Kentucky Again!
http://www.wsaz.com/newskentucky/headlines/69286832.html
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A spokeswoman for Gov. Steve Beshear says he's calling the tall decorated tree on the Kentucky Capitol's front lawn a "Christmas" tree this holiday season.
Last week, a statement from the administration sparked some Christmas consternation by referring to the tree as a "holiday" tree. The news angered some Christians who were perturbed by the terminology.
The Beshear administration last week solicited Kentucky residents to consider donating the perfect "holiday tree" to the state. Officials were looking for a pyramid-shaped tree between 35 and 50 feet tall.
Spokeswoman Kerri Richardson says the administration received a steady stream of e-mails and phone calls about the terminology. But, Richardson says, it's always been a Christmas tree to the governor, and he's invited critics to a "Christmas" tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30.
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I posted this on WSAZ NewsChannel 3 "The Yell" area of their website in hopes that it would have been featured on their 5:30Pm feedback, I was disappointed that it was not shared.
From: Paul R.
I am writing in Response to the KYs Gov. Holiday/Christmas Tree Dilemma as reported on the 12 o'clock news today (11/5/09) Around this time there are more than just one holiday being celebrated, Christmas is not the only holiday, in fact if you study the history of the season you will find that the icons and symbolism of Christmas have actually been borrowed from earlier Pre-Christian Holiday's. the Evergreen Tree that we decorate actually came from the customs of the Norse/Germanic/Scandinavian People and their "YULE" Celebrations. this all went on at least 1,000 years before Christ was said to have been born. Not everyone celebrates "Christmas" so by saying Happy Holidays or Using the term "Holiday Tree" that is being multi-cultural and recognizing everyone's holiday and customs not just one. This Time of year we have Christmas, Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, New Years, and also it's Universal Human Rights Month. "Happy Holidays" is respectful to all.
some added commentary of mine NOT Included in the original comment:
Furthermore, if it is a private family event or church event or what not, sure call it what you want and celebrate how you want, however if it is a State Entity such as on the Governors Grounds for a state such as Kentucky (or Ohio, or West Virgina, or New Mexico For that matter.) If it is government sanctioned - Local, State, Or Federal..we have a little thing called "separation of Church and State" and the "freedom Of religion". By the state recognizing one holiday over the other "Merry Christmas/Christmas Tree" Over the Generic "holidays" it comes off, to me at least like they don't care about the rest of the voters and constituents, and citizens who may choose not to observe Christmas, or who may have another holiday that they participate in, to me it comes off as "your holiday isn't good enough, so we're not going to recognize it".
America is a Multi-faceted Multi-cultural Country. and this whole "Merry Christmas" Vs. "Happy Holidays" Debacle seems a bit backwoods and ignorant. Why Can't we all just say "happy Holidays" have our "holiday" gifts and "holiday" cards and "holiday greetings and wishes" and our "holiday Tree's" and celebrate each of our differences, instead of putting up divides and putting lines in the sand by acting like if you say happy holidays instead of merry Christmas then somehow you are Un-American, I think that by saying Merry Christmas instead of happy holidays and failing to recognize everyone's differences and respecting and celebrating that difference then in my book, that is what makes you Un-American.
This is not an attack on Christianity or "Christian" Holidays, but its just an attempt to let everyone know that Christmas is not the only winter holiday out there and some people get offended if you don't include their holiday or get offended if you assume they celebrate the winter holidays the same as you. It's a Two-Way street, it seems okay for Christians to get all up in arms if someone says happy holidays, but it's not acceptable for non-Christmas observers to get offended at "Merry Christmas" Why can't we all get along? no matter what holidays we choose or choose not to observe?. Thank you.
If you would like a history of the winter holidays, then you've come to the right guy. This time last year in the Winter of 2008 I compiled and created a series of articles essays and tidbits on the winter holidays, If you are interested they can be found here:
Quick and Easy Reference Guide for Paul's Winter Holiday Related Content.
For a Breakdown of all the articles here is a listing:
Christmas: Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice; What's the deal? (Part 1 - I) - The Introduction.
Christmas: Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice; What's the deal? (Part 2 - II ) - YULE.
Christmas: Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice; What's the deal? (Part 3 - III) - The Saturnalia and Feast of Sol Invictus.
Christmas: Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice; What's the deal? (Part 4 - IV) - The Feast Of The Nativity and The Birth Of Jesus.
Christmas: Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice; What's The Deal? - (Part 5 - V) - NO CHRISTMAS FOR YOU! (The Pilgrims outlaw Christmas.)
Christmas: Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice; What's The Deal? - (Part 6 - VI) - Christmas becomes a modern nineteenth century (1800s)invention up to present day.
Christmas: Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice; What's the deal? (Part 7 - VII) - Today The Sun Is Born! Today is the day of the Winter Solstice and the "Re-birth" of the Sun, come and celebrate with us.
Here are a few other Winter Holiday Related Articles I wrote and Compiled in 08'
Open Letter To The People Who Presume There Is A "War" On Christmas.....
Santa Claus! Who is he? Where did he come From? (A Brief History)
"The True Meaning Of Christmas - To Teach Kids" - Comment removed, strange.
END. Hope You all enjoy. Would Love To hear your comments and feedback.
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Comments: 6
the tree was used in winter holiday celebrations long, long before Christmas ever came in to existence. As I demonstrated in my original commentary.
Gah. It's very frustrating when a non-issue is seized on as a sacred and inviolable custom that MUST NOT BE TRAMPLED UPON.
But you have no inherrent "right" to be angry if I respond
" A Happy And Joyful Holiday and New Year to you!
I actually love the "mean" Scrooge and the Grinch. I secretly wanted to take Tiny Tim's crutch and wack his back side . . . . . Bah Humbug! to you Paul and many more to come.