(On the Universality & Irreligiosity of Christmas)
Pára kaníno nga ba ang Paskó? Síno lang ang dápat magdíwang nitó? Mga Kristiyáno nga lang ba?
Many people attribute Christmas to religion, in particular, Christianity. Fair enough. After all, the word ‘Christmas’ literally meant “Christ’s mass,” which was coined apparently in 1038 by some leaders of the said religion, who actually just revised the pagan celebration of winter solstice.
*The Origin*
Yes, the origin of the very celebration of what has become popularly known now as Christmas goes farther back to the midwinter feasts in paganism–much older than the Christian version, which was the one that was derivative.
Therefore, the secular, fairer, and proper meaning of Christmas should be, “a sociocultural event that celebrates giving & receiving, camaraderie, good food & drinks, gift-sharing, good vibes, and reflecting on one’s accomplishments, and renewal of one’s character.”
Anyone could celebrate it–no exception.
That, to, me is the good, nonreligious or nondenominational description of Christmas.
Furthermore, according to Merriam-Webster, paganism includes the practice of having no or little religion and delighting in sensual pleasures and material goods.
Don’t most humans engage in those, anyway? To say no is to be hypocritical.
That is the natural tendency of humans. Most, if not all, find and seek delight in things that pleasure the senses. All one needs is the sense of control to regulate and manage such instincts, so one doesn’t go overboard and doesn’t let such pursuits affect the overall health of the body & mind negatively–giving consideration to and emphasis on self-contentment, generosity, fairness, and justness among fellow humans.
*The Bane of Freedom of Choice*
Religions–most of them–are the bane of the natural ways of the world. They want to suppress humans from engaging in their pursuits. They (the leaders and many hypocritical members of such religions) use control or claims of righteousness to have power over their perceived subjects, subordinates, or subjugatees or fellow members.
*Fear Is the Beginning of Ignorance*
To this day, it is still happening. So many religious leaders use concepts like sin, hell, eternal punishment, excommunication, and unworthiness as a way to ensure that their followers stay fearful and insecure where they are–with legs bent, heads bowed, eyes closed, mouths shut, and individuality and freedom surrendered…in the name of faith in an imaginary unseen, which could not even stop the evils of the world.
Goodness, hope, and love are not the monopoly of the religiously faithful. They belong to everyone. No race, no religion, nor disparity in health and wealth should prevail.
Christmas is for all!
