Posted by SpudMama [SpudMama] on November 27, 1999 at 11:20:44 {nwG7wj0NI.JfsbqtErSUPGEmg6dhnA}:
In Reply to: Christmas trees question? posted by notbraindead on November 27, 1999 at 10:23:10:
I'm putting up a Christmas/Solstice/Yule tree for the fifth year in a row, precisely because I myself am a pagan now.
In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell says "The Christmas tree is the World Tree in its fruitful, wish-fulfilling aspect." So the tree is actually a sacred symbol for me. I don't worship it exactly, but by decorating it and enjoying it I act out a prayer and take part in the sacred reality it represents.
I know the Bible says (quoting NIV now) "be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.' You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates." -- But this is just wrong. I know it in my heart.
This link wouldn't fit in the "Optional Link URL" window, so I'm putting it here:
Buy Cheryl Karas's book, The Solstice Evergreen : History, Folklore and Origins of the Christmas Tree
Merry Christmas and Ooga Booga,
Exuberant Potato Grrrl