Kwanzaa and Festivus

by slipnslidemaster 6 Replies latest jw friends

  • slipnslidemaster
    slipnslidemaster

    The question is: Can Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate Kwanzaa or Festivus? Two completely fabricated holiday's created during the 20th century. One is serious, the other a farce.

    Will you get in trouble at the Hall for celebrating them? Would you get your "privledges" taken away for celebrating?

    Here is a brief history of Kwanzaa and a link to a website.

    KWANZAA, the African-American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, was first celebrated on December 26, 1966. Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1, with each day focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles. Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits", Kwanzaa is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa. Kwanzaa seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles, that have sustained Africans. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice Kwanzaa.

    Kwanzaa was born out of the whirlwind of social and political changes of the sixties decade. The sixties represent one of many eras during which the African and African-American struggle for freedom and self-identity reached its historical peak, spawning multiple revolutionary movements.

    By creating Kwanzaa, African-Americans sought to rectify the cultural and economic exploitation perpetrated against us during the months of October, November, and December (the Christmas season). During this season, corporate America typically ignored the quality of life concerns of African-Americans, yet encouraged participation in the commercialism of Christmas. Additionally, African-Americans did not observe a holiday that was specific to our needs. A review of the major holidays celebrated in the United States would reveal that not one related specifically to the growth and development of African-Americans. The development of Kwanzaa assumed a reassessment, reclaiming, recommitment, remembrance, retrieval, resumption, resurrection, and rejuvenation of the "Way of Life" principles recognized by African-Americans. These principles have strengthened African-Americans during our worldwide sojourn.

    Today, Kwanzaa is recognized by millions throughout America and the world. It is celebrated often in community settings provided by homes, churches, mosques, temples, community centers, schools, and places of work. Kwanzaa allows us to celebrate the season without shame or fear of embracing our history, our culture, and ourselves.

    -> http://www.melanet.com/kwanzaa/whatis.html#history

    Slipnslidemaster:"The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."
    - Oscar Wilde

  • YoYoMama
    YoYoMama

    As a Witness I can celebrate FESTIVUS (FOR THE REST OF US).

  • gilwarrior
    gilwarrior

    OK, here is what I know. Knanzaa is not celebrated in Africa. It was developed by African-Americans in the US.

    Festivus, is a joke! The first time that I heard about it was on an episode of "Seinfeld." George wanted to skip a day of work so he invented a holiday called Festivus.

  • funkyderek
    funkyderek
    George wanted to skip a day of work so he invented a holiday called Festivus.

    That's an apostate lie. Festivus was created by George's father.

    --
    "The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion." - Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason, 1794.

  • Pathofthorns
    Pathofthorns

    The joke is that there are probably more elder bodies that would disfellowship someone for celebrating a fake holiday like "festivus" than those who would not.

    (and yes it was George's father that started it..LOL And I think it was Kramer who wanted the day off at the Bagel store.. lol)

    Path

  • joelbear
    joelbear

    With the annual airing of personal grudges, Festivus is a perfect substitute for Christmas for JW families.

    Joel

  • slipnslidemaster
    slipnslidemaster

    What a funny point. Now that I think about it, they are SO conditioned not to celebrate anything that you are probably right that more elders would disfellowship you for Festivus. It just sounds wrong.

    What a fucked up religion.

    Slipnslidemaster: MerryChristmas!

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