EASTER, CANCELLED?

I recently read where people wanted the Easter holiday not to be mentioned, as it caused “pain” to those who didn’t celebrate it.  (That may explain the dearth of chick and bunny decorations and fun candy this year.)

I’m confused.  When I was a child, I grew up in a largely Jewish neighborhood where most celebrated all the high and not-so-high holidays.  Teachers needed to be brought in from Chicago as there was a dearth of non-celebrant Jews in our town.  I’m half Jewish, but was raised Presbyterian.  Still, when a new holiday approached, I became incredibly curious.  “You get eight nights of presents?”  “You have a holiday that’s just for a big party?”  My young friends became the source of fascinating history and lore; I invited myself to anything I could find so I could share in the celebration.  We had poorly informed religious discussions which led to a lifetime of openness to peoples’ choices in how they celebrate spirituality.

I wasn’t alone.  Anytime a new ritual or celebration came up in conversation, all the kids wanted to know more and understand.  We had a Catholic high school with nun-teachers and one Catholic family three doors down.  I wish I could remember how those kids explained transubstantiation to us (or to themselves).  These conversations were an endless source of joy and fun.  A particular one is stuck fast in my memory – when we tried to figure out which religion was correct.  Our young brains decided that we were all like the blind men and the elephant.  Each religion had part of the story, but missed the larger picture.  I still think we were right.

What happened?  If I were to invite myself to a Kwanzaa fest, would I be shunned?  Accused of cultural appropriation?  Are all religious holidays to be obliterated because someone who doesn’t celebrate them might be hurt?  Can a thousand snowflakes decimate all religious belief and the joy that brings so many?

I’m now an agnostic, so my celebrations are decidedly lay (my rabbit gets all the attention on Easter).  But I love seeing people expressing their faith on these holidays and delight in learning more, as well as possibly included in the celebration.  I’ve joined friends to light candles on Hannukah, been to a variety of religious weddings and generally want to keep myself open to new ideas, as well as the chance to know my friends on a deeper level. 

I refuse to accept that anyone is “hurt,” “damaged,” or in any other way harmed by other’s happiness.  Get over it!  Stop looking for a way to be a victim and step into the light of other people’s beliefs.  You might actually learn something wonderful.