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By Rupert Johnson
Religious traditions may be defined as long-standing sacred beliefs that have stood the test of time. Therefore, they should not be subjected to any form of political correctness.
With regard to this point of view, it is indeed unfortunate and disturbing that our North American society is increasingly characterized by false tolerance under the guise of political correctness.
Foremost among a long list of phoney tolerance is the erosion of symbols that make up the core of our Christian traditions. Thus, there is a concerted action plan to replace “Merry Christmas” with the meaningless term “happy holiday.” Similarly, there is the calculated move to rename our customary “Christmas Tree” with an equally meaningless term “holiday tree.”
No other religion in North America, or in any other part of the world, would ever change the religious character of its long-standing traditions. Yet, many North American Christians are going out of their way to demonstrate their so-called tolerance for other religions.
It may be said that these so-called Christians have certainly relegated Christianity to the most wishy-washy, wimpy religion in the world.
It is to be noted that Muslims cling to their religious traditions, and so it should be. The Jews cling to their religious traditions, and so it should be. The Hindus cling to their religious traditions, and so it should be.
There is no doubt that Christmas, as we know it, really came to life in 19th century England during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). At that particular time the spirit of Christmas was characterized by two important traditions—the Christmas tree and Christmas cards.
There are many legends that are associated with the origin of the Christmas, but it is commonly accepted by most scholars that the tradition of the Christmas tree originated in Germany sometime during the 16th century.
It has been recorded that the Christmas tree was introduced into England in the 1840’s from Germany by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria.
And it has also been recorded that the first North American Christmas tree was erected in Halifax in 1846 by William Pryor who wanted to please his German wife.
It is interesting to note that the first Christmas cards appeared in England in the 1840’s about the same time when Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree, and Charles Dickens published his classic novel: A Christmas Carol. The idea of sending Christmas cards to relatives and friends was extremely popular.
Our Christmas traditions should be preserved, and not be modified or changed to conform to any form of political correctness. Hence, the term Christmas tree should not be changed to Holiday tree. Neither should Christmas card be changed to Holiday card. Political correctness does not apply here.
Rupert Johnson can be reached at: r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca.
