billvon 3,132 #26 December 21, 2006 >even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian >area of California. Got a link to prove that? (just kidding) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #27 December 21, 2006 QuoteNational Geographic a good enough link? This article briefly discusses modern day solstice celebrations and their connections to ancient times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html If you want some specific information on the ancient Celts and solstice, google Newgrange. And yes, wicca/paganism has become much more mainstream in the last 20 years. Just as an illustration, most of the bookstores around here have more pagan books than christian ones, if you go looking through the spirituality section, even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian area of California. Thanks for the link and the civil reply. The article didn't say much about modern celebrations. I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. http://www.openhearth.org/basics/demographics.shtml I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of solstice "celebrations" in the US are merely the noting of this astronomical event. Happy Solstice, everyone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nightingale 0 #28 December 21, 2006 Quote I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. The fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) is Wicca -- a Neopagan religion that is sometimes referred to as Witchcraft. Numbers of adherents went from 8,000 in 1990 to 134,000 in 2001. Their numbers of adherents are doubling about every 30 months. Wiccans in Australia have a very similar growth pattern, from fewer than 2,000 in 1996 to 9,000 in 2001. 10 In Canada, Wiccans and other Neopagans showed the greatest percentage growth of any faith group. They totaled 21,080 members in 1991, an increase of 281% when compared with 1990. -http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_prac2.htm I do agree with you that many people celebrating the solstice are marking the season/event. Pagans who celebrate, ime, are more likely to call the day "Yule" or "Midwinter". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Amazon 7 #29 December 21, 2006 QuoteThe fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) is Wicca -- a Neopagan religion that is sometimes referred to as Witchcraft. Kewl.. plenty of new witches to burn after the Theocracy is declared. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nightingale 0 #30 December 21, 2006 QuoteQuoteThe fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) is Wicca -- a Neopagan religion that is sometimes referred to as Witchcraft. Kewl.. plenty of new witches to burn after the Theocracy is declared. Sir Bedevere: There are ways of telling whether she is a witch. Peasant 1: Are there? Oh well, tell us. Sir Bedevere: Tell me. What do you do with witches? Peasant 1: Burn them. Sir Bedevere: And what do you burn, apart from witches? Peasant 1: More witches. Peasant 2: Wood. Sir Bedevere: Good. Now, why do witches burn? Peasant 3: ...because they're made of... wood? Sir Bedevere: Good. So how do you tell whether she is made of wood? Peasant 1: Build a bridge out of her. Sir Bedevere: But can you not also build bridges out of stone? Peasant 1: Oh yeah. Sir Bedevere: Does wood sink in water? Peasant 1: No, no, it floats!... It floats! Throw her into the pond! Sir Bedevere: No, no. What else floats in water? Peasant 1: Bread. Peasant 2: Apples. Peasant 3: Very small rocks. Peasant 1: Cider. Peasant 2: Gravy. Peasant 3: Cherries. Peasant 1: Mud. Peasant 2: Churches. Peasant 3: Lead! Lead! King Arthur: A Duck. Sir Bedevere: ...Exactly. So, logically... Peasant 1: If she weighed the same as a duck... she's made of wood. Sir Bedevere: And therefore... Peasant 2: ...A witch! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SpeedRacer 1 #31 December 21, 2006 Witches burn pretty easily. We could solve the fuel shortage this winter. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Lindsey 0 #32 December 21, 2006 Merry Solstice! Ya' heard about the dyslexic devil-worshiper? He sold his soul to Santa. :) linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,182 #33 December 21, 2006 QuoteQuoteNational Geographic a good enough link? This article briefly discusses modern day solstice celebrations and their connections to ancient times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html If you want some specific information on the ancient Celts and solstice, google Newgrange. And yes, wicca/paganism has become much more mainstream in the last 20 years. Just as an illustration, most of the bookstores around here have more pagan books than christian ones, if you go looking through the spirituality section, even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian area of California. Thanks for the link and the civil reply. The article didn't say much about modern celebrations. I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. http://www.openhearth.org/basics/demographics.shtml I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of solstice "celebrations" in the US are merely the noting of this astronomical event. Happy Solstice, everyone. Well, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice, since Jesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jakee 1,610 #34 December 21, 2006 QuoteWell lets put it this way, just because people are ignorant of the history doesn't mean it isn't there.I not sure what you're talking about. I've never questioned the history. You said most people were unaware of it QuoteWhat's your problem with Kallend wishing people a happy solstice?What have I said in this thread that gives you that impression? You called him a troll for saying that he celebrates the solstice Quote Why do you demand strict adherence to one celebration at this time of year and brand anyone who celebrates a different way "troll"? I don't. Your post history argues otherwise Bah, anyway - happy winter to all, for whatever reason you choose to celebrate. I wish you all good company, presents, feasting and heavy drunkennessDo you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SpeedRacer 1 #35 December 22, 2006 Happy solstice, you HEATHEN! Don't let the North Pole bang you in the ass when it swings around the other way. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites willard 0 #36 December 22, 2006 I took a lesson from Mark Twain... "a lady at the hotel told me to drink a quart of whiskey, and a friend up-town recommended precisely the same course. Each advised me to take a quart; that made half a gallon. I did it, and still live." Happy Solstice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,182 #37 December 22, 2006 QuoteHappy solstice, you HEATHEN! Don't let the North Pole bang you in the ass when it swings around the other way. It's solstice for everyone, heathens, Wiccans, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Taoists...... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Zenister 0 #38 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuote 00:22 UTC on December 22. 7:22 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 21 6:22 p.m CST etc. Time to decorate trees, burn Yule logs, give presents, have parties, in accordance with tradition going back well over 2,000 years. Could you give me a link on the modern day celebration of the Winter Solstice? Particularly in the US? As long as I've been aware of solstices and equinoxes, I've always noted them. It was typically along the lines of acknowledging the physical significance of the event. I know of the rare Solstice parties in the US (typically hippies looking for an excuse to party) and the crowds at Stonehenge. But the decorating trees, burning Yule logs, giving presents, having parties to celebrate the Winter Solstice is news to me. Is this actually common practice? Or are you just trolling? it is fairly common, i've been to a Solstice Celebration that is going on its (Edit: just called and asked) 23rd year at the same site (in Alabama even) but "Pagan's" in general dont have the need or desire to advertise and commericalize their "High Holidays", so its unlikely (unless you have a friend who invites you) you will stumble into one and i've never seen it "Advertised" anywhere...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites billvon 3,132 #39 December 22, 2006 >It's solstice for everyone . . . Not for martians, you prejudiced terra-ist! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NCclimber 0 #40 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteNational Geographic a good enough link? This article briefly discusses modern day solstice celebrations and their connections to ancient times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html If you want some specific information on the ancient Celts and solstice, google Newgrange. And yes, wicca/paganism has become much more mainstream in the last 20 years. Just as an illustration, most of the bookstores around here have more pagan books than christian ones, if you go looking through the spirituality section, even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian area of California. Thanks for the link and the civil reply. The article didn't say much about modern celebrations. I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. http://www.openhearth.org/basics/demographics.shtml I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of solstice "celebrations" in the US are merely the noting of this astronomical event. Happy Solstice, everyone. Well, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice Riiiight QuoteJesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we? Perhaps you could take it up with the Vatican. I didn't really think you would actually address my questions, primarily because (I think) you've got nothing to offer. How unexpected that you dodged the question and instead offered an attack on Christianity. Unexpected indeed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NCclimber 0 #41 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteWell lets put it this way, just because people are ignorant of the history doesn't mean it isn't there.I not sure what you're talking about. I've never questioned the history. You said most people were unaware of it "It" being the decorating trees, burning Yule logs, giving presents, having parties to celebrate the Winter Solstice,.... not knowledge of the solstice itself. QuoteQuoteWhat's your problem with Kallend wishing people a happy solstice?What have I said in this thread that gives you that impression? You called him a troll for saying that he celebrates the solstice I asked about the celebratory practices (mentioned above) and then asked if he was trolling. His response, which did not address my polite queries, gave me the distinct he was trolling. Please note that I did not call him a troll for "saying that he celebrates the solstice". QuoteQuote Why do you demand strict adherence to one celebration at this time of year and brand anyone who celebrates a different way "troll"? I don't. Your post history argues otherwise You really should try to distinguish between what people say and what you read into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jakee 1,610 #42 December 22, 2006 Quote"It" being the decorating trees, burning Yule logs, giving presents, having parties to celebrate the Winter Solstice,.... not knowledge of the solstice itself. Which is all ancient tradition that has passed, here and there, to the present day. Just because people are ignorant doesn't mean those who want to shouldn't celebrate. Seriously, what is your deal? Why does it kill you to see people following legitimate traditions other than the big mainstream one?Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NCclimber 0 #43 December 22, 2006 You really should try to distinguish between what people say and what you read into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Lindsey 0 #44 December 22, 2006 my favorite thing you said was that "your reluctance to provide a link gives me the impression that you must be trolling." Some of the more intelligent and knowledgable people that I know actually have thoughts based on something besides what they read on the internet. Imagine that....he may not even have SEEN a website on the issue. It's an incredible idea, this whole being educated thing.... linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Skyrad 0 #45 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteI'll be celebrating Christmas in Eastern Europe on the 24th! Long live Jezisek! Vesele vanoce vam vsem!Edit: Hey, whats up Kallend? You've turned all grey and grown a slaphead mate? Guess who (very famous character in books and movies). Why my dear Professor that is a picture of the son of Dr. James Noel, the the Napoleon of crime Mathamatics Professor James Moriarty. He 'wrote'a treatise on the binomial theorem (The Final Problem), lecturing about eclipses, and becoming the celebrated author of "The Dynamics of An Asteroid", a book so advanced that "no man in the scientific press is able to criticize it". "He is the organizer of half that is evil and of nearly all that is undetected in [London}. He is a genius, a philosopher, an abstract thinker. He has a brain of the first order." Sherlock Holmes The picture that you have used for your avatar is a cropped image of a full length picture drawn by Sidney Paget which first appeared in the Strand Magazine in 1893 as an illustration to The Final Problem. The fictional Professor Moriarty was based on a real life criminal by the name of Adam Worth (1844-1902). When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,182 #46 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteNational Geographic a good enough link? This article briefly discusses modern day solstice celebrations and their connections to ancient times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html If you want some specific information on the ancient Celts and solstice, google Newgrange. And yes, wicca/paganism has become much more mainstream in the last 20 years. Just as an illustration, most of the bookstores around here have more pagan books than christian ones, if you go looking through the spirituality section, even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian area of California. Thanks for the link and the civil reply. The article didn't say much about modern celebrations. I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. http://www.openhearth.org/basics/demographics.shtml I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of solstice "celebrations" in the US are merely the noting of this astronomical event. Happy Solstice, everyone. Well, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice Riiiight QuoteJesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we? Perhaps you could take it up with the Vatican. I didn't really think you would actually address my questions, primarily because (I think) you've got nothing to offer. How unexpected that you dodged the question and instead offered an attack on Christianity. Unexpected indeed. Stating facts is not making an attack. It is a historical FACT that the date of Christmas was chosen for political reasons to coincide with Saturnalia, a solstice celebration. I don't even know why YOU brought Christianity into the thread in the first place. Even though you're grouchy, have a good solstice season anyway.i... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,182 #47 December 22, 2006 Quotemy favorite thing you said was that "your reluctance to provide a link gives me the impression that you must be trolling." Some of the more intelligent and knowledgable people that I know actually have thoughts based on something besides what they read on the internet. Imagine that....he may not even have SEEN a website on the issue. It's an incredible idea, this whole being educated thing.... linz say it ain't so, Linz.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sweetmoose 0 #48 December 22, 2006 I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. Happy Solstice, everyone. That must be kinda old, considering there are currently 300 million americans, and 159 mil would be more around 50 percent than 76.5 percent. Also, don't have proof of this, but I read an article not long ago that said the fastest growing religion in the united states is currently Islam, don't know if that's true or not, just that I read it.We die only once, but for such a very long time. I'll believe in ghosts when I catch one in my teeth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #28 December 21, 2006 Quote I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. The fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) is Wicca -- a Neopagan religion that is sometimes referred to as Witchcraft. Numbers of adherents went from 8,000 in 1990 to 134,000 in 2001. Their numbers of adherents are doubling about every 30 months. Wiccans in Australia have a very similar growth pattern, from fewer than 2,000 in 1996 to 9,000 in 2001. 10 In Canada, Wiccans and other Neopagans showed the greatest percentage growth of any faith group. They totaled 21,080 members in 1991, an increase of 281% when compared with 1990. -http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_prac2.htm I do agree with you that many people celebrating the solstice are marking the season/event. Pagans who celebrate, ime, are more likely to call the day "Yule" or "Midwinter". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #29 December 21, 2006 QuoteThe fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) is Wicca -- a Neopagan religion that is sometimes referred to as Witchcraft. Kewl.. plenty of new witches to burn after the Theocracy is declared. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #30 December 21, 2006 QuoteQuoteThe fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) is Wicca -- a Neopagan religion that is sometimes referred to as Witchcraft. Kewl.. plenty of new witches to burn after the Theocracy is declared. Sir Bedevere: There are ways of telling whether she is a witch. Peasant 1: Are there? Oh well, tell us. Sir Bedevere: Tell me. What do you do with witches? Peasant 1: Burn them. Sir Bedevere: And what do you burn, apart from witches? Peasant 1: More witches. Peasant 2: Wood. Sir Bedevere: Good. Now, why do witches burn? Peasant 3: ...because they're made of... wood? Sir Bedevere: Good. So how do you tell whether she is made of wood? Peasant 1: Build a bridge out of her. Sir Bedevere: But can you not also build bridges out of stone? Peasant 1: Oh yeah. Sir Bedevere: Does wood sink in water? Peasant 1: No, no, it floats!... It floats! Throw her into the pond! Sir Bedevere: No, no. What else floats in water? Peasant 1: Bread. Peasant 2: Apples. Peasant 3: Very small rocks. Peasant 1: Cider. Peasant 2: Gravy. Peasant 3: Cherries. Peasant 1: Mud. Peasant 2: Churches. Peasant 3: Lead! Lead! King Arthur: A Duck. Sir Bedevere: ...Exactly. So, logically... Peasant 1: If she weighed the same as a duck... she's made of wood. Sir Bedevere: And therefore... Peasant 2: ...A witch! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #31 December 21, 2006 Witches burn pretty easily. We could solve the fuel shortage this winter. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #32 December 21, 2006 Merry Solstice! Ya' heard about the dyslexic devil-worshiper? He sold his soul to Santa. :) linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #33 December 21, 2006 QuoteQuoteNational Geographic a good enough link? This article briefly discusses modern day solstice celebrations and their connections to ancient times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html If you want some specific information on the ancient Celts and solstice, google Newgrange. And yes, wicca/paganism has become much more mainstream in the last 20 years. Just as an illustration, most of the bookstores around here have more pagan books than christian ones, if you go looking through the spirituality section, even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian area of California. Thanks for the link and the civil reply. The article didn't say much about modern celebrations. I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. http://www.openhearth.org/basics/demographics.shtml I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of solstice "celebrations" in the US are merely the noting of this astronomical event. Happy Solstice, everyone. Well, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice, since Jesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,610 #34 December 21, 2006 QuoteWell lets put it this way, just because people are ignorant of the history doesn't mean it isn't there.I not sure what you're talking about. I've never questioned the history. You said most people were unaware of it QuoteWhat's your problem with Kallend wishing people a happy solstice?What have I said in this thread that gives you that impression? You called him a troll for saying that he celebrates the solstice Quote Why do you demand strict adherence to one celebration at this time of year and brand anyone who celebrates a different way "troll"? I don't. Your post history argues otherwise Bah, anyway - happy winter to all, for whatever reason you choose to celebrate. I wish you all good company, presents, feasting and heavy drunkennessDo you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #35 December 22, 2006 Happy solstice, you HEATHEN! Don't let the North Pole bang you in the ass when it swings around the other way. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willard 0 #36 December 22, 2006 I took a lesson from Mark Twain... "a lady at the hotel told me to drink a quart of whiskey, and a friend up-town recommended precisely the same course. Each advised me to take a quart; that made half a gallon. I did it, and still live." Happy Solstice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #37 December 22, 2006 QuoteHappy solstice, you HEATHEN! Don't let the North Pole bang you in the ass when it swings around the other way. It's solstice for everyone, heathens, Wiccans, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Taoists...... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #38 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuote 00:22 UTC on December 22. 7:22 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 21 6:22 p.m CST etc. Time to decorate trees, burn Yule logs, give presents, have parties, in accordance with tradition going back well over 2,000 years. Could you give me a link on the modern day celebration of the Winter Solstice? Particularly in the US? As long as I've been aware of solstices and equinoxes, I've always noted them. It was typically along the lines of acknowledging the physical significance of the event. I know of the rare Solstice parties in the US (typically hippies looking for an excuse to party) and the crowds at Stonehenge. But the decorating trees, burning Yule logs, giving presents, having parties to celebrate the Winter Solstice is news to me. Is this actually common practice? Or are you just trolling? it is fairly common, i've been to a Solstice Celebration that is going on its (Edit: just called and asked) 23rd year at the same site (in Alabama even) but "Pagan's" in general dont have the need or desire to advertise and commericalize their "High Holidays", so its unlikely (unless you have a friend who invites you) you will stumble into one and i've never seen it "Advertised" anywhere...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,132 #39 December 22, 2006 >It's solstice for everyone . . . Not for martians, you prejudiced terra-ist! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #40 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteNational Geographic a good enough link? This article briefly discusses modern day solstice celebrations and their connections to ancient times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html If you want some specific information on the ancient Celts and solstice, google Newgrange. And yes, wicca/paganism has become much more mainstream in the last 20 years. Just as an illustration, most of the bookstores around here have more pagan books than christian ones, if you go looking through the spirituality section, even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian area of California. Thanks for the link and the civil reply. The article didn't say much about modern celebrations. I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. http://www.openhearth.org/basics/demographics.shtml I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of solstice "celebrations" in the US are merely the noting of this astronomical event. Happy Solstice, everyone. Well, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice Riiiight QuoteJesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we? Perhaps you could take it up with the Vatican. I didn't really think you would actually address my questions, primarily because (I think) you've got nothing to offer. How unexpected that you dodged the question and instead offered an attack on Christianity. Unexpected indeed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #41 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteWell lets put it this way, just because people are ignorant of the history doesn't mean it isn't there.I not sure what you're talking about. I've never questioned the history. You said most people were unaware of it "It" being the decorating trees, burning Yule logs, giving presents, having parties to celebrate the Winter Solstice,.... not knowledge of the solstice itself. QuoteQuoteWhat's your problem with Kallend wishing people a happy solstice?What have I said in this thread that gives you that impression? You called him a troll for saying that he celebrates the solstice I asked about the celebratory practices (mentioned above) and then asked if he was trolling. His response, which did not address my polite queries, gave me the distinct he was trolling. Please note that I did not call him a troll for "saying that he celebrates the solstice". QuoteQuote Why do you demand strict adherence to one celebration at this time of year and brand anyone who celebrates a different way "troll"? I don't. Your post history argues otherwise You really should try to distinguish between what people say and what you read into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,610 #42 December 22, 2006 Quote"It" being the decorating trees, burning Yule logs, giving presents, having parties to celebrate the Winter Solstice,.... not knowledge of the solstice itself. Which is all ancient tradition that has passed, here and there, to the present day. Just because people are ignorant doesn't mean those who want to shouldn't celebrate. Seriously, what is your deal? Why does it kill you to see people following legitimate traditions other than the big mainstream one?Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #43 December 22, 2006 You really should try to distinguish between what people say and what you read into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #44 December 22, 2006 my favorite thing you said was that "your reluctance to provide a link gives me the impression that you must be trolling." Some of the more intelligent and knowledgable people that I know actually have thoughts based on something besides what they read on the internet. Imagine that....he may not even have SEEN a website on the issue. It's an incredible idea, this whole being educated thing.... linz-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #45 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteI'll be celebrating Christmas in Eastern Europe on the 24th! Long live Jezisek! Vesele vanoce vam vsem!Edit: Hey, whats up Kallend? You've turned all grey and grown a slaphead mate? Guess who (very famous character in books and movies). Why my dear Professor that is a picture of the son of Dr. James Noel, the the Napoleon of crime Mathamatics Professor James Moriarty. He 'wrote'a treatise on the binomial theorem (The Final Problem), lecturing about eclipses, and becoming the celebrated author of "The Dynamics of An Asteroid", a book so advanced that "no man in the scientific press is able to criticize it". "He is the organizer of half that is evil and of nearly all that is undetected in [London}. He is a genius, a philosopher, an abstract thinker. He has a brain of the first order." Sherlock Holmes The picture that you have used for your avatar is a cropped image of a full length picture drawn by Sidney Paget which first appeared in the Strand Magazine in 1893 as an illustration to The Final Problem. The fictional Professor Moriarty was based on a real life criminal by the name of Adam Worth (1844-1902). When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #46 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteNational Geographic a good enough link? This article briefly discusses modern day solstice celebrations and their connections to ancient times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html If you want some specific information on the ancient Celts and solstice, google Newgrange. And yes, wicca/paganism has become much more mainstream in the last 20 years. Just as an illustration, most of the bookstores around here have more pagan books than christian ones, if you go looking through the spirituality section, even though I live in probably the most conservative and christian area of California. Thanks for the link and the civil reply. The article didn't say much about modern celebrations. I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. http://www.openhearth.org/basics/demographics.shtml I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of solstice "celebrations" in the US are merely the noting of this astronomical event. Happy Solstice, everyone. Well, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice Riiiight QuoteJesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we? Perhaps you could take it up with the Vatican. I didn't really think you would actually address my questions, primarily because (I think) you've got nothing to offer. How unexpected that you dodged the question and instead offered an attack on Christianity. Unexpected indeed. Stating facts is not making an attack. It is a historical FACT that the date of Christmas was chosen for political reasons to coincide with Saturnalia, a solstice celebration. I don't even know why YOU brought Christianity into the thread in the first place. Even though you're grouchy, have a good solstice season anyway.i... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #47 December 22, 2006 Quotemy favorite thing you said was that "your reluctance to provide a link gives me the impression that you must be trolling." Some of the more intelligent and knowledgable people that I know actually have thoughts based on something besides what they read on the internet. Imagine that....he may not even have SEEN a website on the issue. It's an incredible idea, this whole being educated thing.... linz say it ain't so, Linz.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sweetmoose 0 #48 December 22, 2006 I did find a site that said:Quote If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population. Happy Solstice, everyone. That must be kinda old, considering there are currently 300 million americans, and 159 mil would be more around 50 percent than 76.5 percent. Also, don't have proof of this, but I read an article not long ago that said the fastest growing religion in the united states is currently Islam, don't know if that's true or not, just that I read it.We die only once, but for such a very long time. I'll believe in ghosts when I catch one in my teeth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #49 December 22, 2006 QuoteStating facts is not making an attack. True, but making statements like "Jesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we?" are pretty inflamatory. Is this a fact? QuoteWell, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice QuoteIt is a historical FACT that the date of Christmas was chosen for political reasons to coincide with Saturnalia, a solstice celebration. I agree and I don't know anyone (particularly in this forum) who challenges this. QuoteI don't even know why YOU brought Christianity into the thread in the first place. I didn't. You should check your facts before making such accusations. In this thread I've asked you politely for information. You (basically) dismissed my requests with snide replies. Admittedly, I've done my part to lower the level of discourse. Still, if this is something you actively celebrate, I wonder why you passed up the opportunity to educate an interested skeptic, instead choosing to take the low road. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #50 December 22, 2006 QuoteQuoteStating facts is not making an attack. True, but making statements like "Jesus was not actually born at this time of year. The educated ones know this, and the ignorant ones are, well, ignorant. We shouldn't let our lives revolve around ignorance, should we?" are pretty inflamatory. Is this a fact? QuoteWell, those 159M Christians are REALLY celebrating the Solstice QuoteIt is a historical FACT that the date of Christmas was chosen for political reasons to coincide with Saturnalia, a solstice celebration. I agree and I don't know anyone (particularly in this forum) who challenges this. QuoteI don't even know why YOU brought Christianity into the thread in the first place. I didn't. You should check your facts before making such accusations. In this thread I've asked you politely for information. You (basically) dismissed my requests with snide replies. Admittedly, I've done my part to lower the level of discourse. Still, if this is something you actively celebrate, I wonder why you passed up the opportunity to educate an interested skeptic, instead choosing to take the low road. You didn't post This? If Wiccan, Pagan, and Druid categories are combined, this percentage increases to 0.15 percent, or about 3 practitioners for every 2,000 Americans. The largest religious category in America is still Christianity, with over 159 million adherents, or about 76.5 percent of the population You chose to start an argument by suggesting I was trolling. I just sent good wishes that apply to everyone regardless of their beliefs.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
