Yep, you heard me.
The previous thread about school made me remember a tidbit about an activity my grade school participated in annually - Arbor Day. This is the day when you are supposed to remember to be good to the earth by planting a tree. It is meant to install into children the importance of taking the time to respect and learn about our natural resources, and what we can do to help preserve them for future generations. That is what it is meant to be - but that is not how the JW's see it!
Here is what I was told by my parents and other JW's on this issue of observing Arbor Day:
"Arbor Day has pagan origins in Wicca or Witchcraft because they are worshipping "Mother Earth" and giving undue praise to something besides Jehovah God. You are not to partake in any activities involving Arbor Day such as drawing pictures of forests or helping in planting the tree. It is just another guise Satan is using to plant the seed of evil into young minds. Excuse yourself from the activities and be a good witness to everyone and make sure you preach to your teacher and make them understand why JW's don't celebrate Arbor Day."
Can you believe this crap? Even as a 7, 8, 9 year old I was floored. There was no "worship of the earth" going on, nor were we even "celebrating" anything; Arbor Day was nothing more than a day taken to teach children about the importance of our natural resources and how to protect them. Nothing more. No witch outfits, no drawing pentagrams. But that's how all the JW's acted. It was absurd, and I just went along with everything that day anyway - because even as a child I knew this was pure rubish! Being a good witness of Jehovah by NOT planting a tree? What they meant to say was "make yourself look like an ass in front of the entire school and make your teacher think you are a mental patient." That is the real translation here.
Also, what about Thanksgiving? I day to give thanks for everything you have, even giving thanks to God and those you love? What is so bad about that? Surely Satan didn't create that one? Truly, everything and anything with any social or family significance has been removed from the average JW's life. It is astounding how clearly I can see that now since I haven't really attended anything in the last 7 years.
Is there any wonder all of my school mates in grade school asked me if I were in a cult? Why they thought I was a weirdo and religious nut? Even after I learned the trick of living a double life in high school, avoiding all religious discussions, dressing normally, etc.....I would STILL have someone come up to me and ask about "that JW stuff", it was soo embarassing and made me feel like I was stupid. I would answer their questions, but them thinking I was a weirdo and geek doesn't seem to be such a "good witness for Jehovah," as it really just turned people completely off.
I just can't believe how gulliable and easily manipulated my parents and I were.
Regards,
Wing Commander