Why the Easter holidays?

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Pope Dave I's picture
Why the Easter holidays?

For centuries, the christian church has been allowed to dictate to the reat of us when our spring holidays should be. The result of this 'power over the rest of us' has been that we have been forced to take our Spring holiday at a time which is not very convenient to us. In some years, the holiday has taken place as early as March when the weather has been poor. Many seaside samll businesses have suffered as a consequence of this.

There is no sane or logical reason for this. Even among Christians, there is no reasoned justification for this, other than the shame faced response of "Oh that is how it has always been". What makes it even more idiotic is that the Russian and Greek orthodox churches have their Easter holiday a week later than the rest of them. The Christian hierarchy cannot even agree amongst themselves.

If we had our long weekend spring holiday at the beginning of May, it would be great for holding sporting events, or taking the kids to the seaside. There would also be less inclination towards 'frivolous flying' which is the modern day plague of the planet. People who are forced to take a holiday in March are hardly likely to visit our coastal resorts. In May, the UK has some good weather and wonderful open air attractions.

Can anyone offer me one good reason why this situation has been allowed to persist for so long? No government seem to want to rock the boat. The self serving EU certainly will not help. What can be done? Anyone?

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Tin-Man's picture
Easter is actually a Pagan

Easter is actually a Pagan fertility celebration/ritual called Ostara or Eostre or Eastre (meaning the Goddess of Spring). It was originally celebrated during the time of the Spring Equinox (usually around March 21-23) indicating the end of winter when the days start getting longer and crops can be planted. According to the folklore, the Spring Goddess Eostre was late one year and caused a small bird to freeze to death. She then saved the bird by turning it into a rabbit. As a show of gratitude, the rabbit (still retaining some of its bird characteristics) laid several colorful egss to give to the goddess. (The bunny and eggs represent fertility.)

Fast-forward a few centuries when Constantine is in power and trying to settle all the religious turmoil. The Jews at that time celebrated Passover roughly around the same Spring Equinox time period. And the Christians believed Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday. As a result, Constantine combined all of these rituals into one and decreed the holiday Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox. That is why Easter is on a different date every year.

As for what can "be done about it"???... If you are an atheist, why would it matter to you?... *puzzled look*.... Just enjoy a chocolate bunny, a few jelly beans, and some marshmallow Peeps while they are in the stores... *chuckle*...

David Killens's picture
Meh, the christians were in

Meh, the christians were in power when those holidays were assigned. To me it is just a day off work with pay.

Is anyone got their shorts in a knot when July rolls around, having a grievance against the Romans and Julius Caesar? Or Thor, because Thursday was named after him?

I have more pressing issues against religion, such as being divisive, starting wars, and protecting child rapists.

Cognostic's picture
@POPE: Can anyone offer me

@POPE: Can anyone offer me one good reason why this situation has been allowed to persist for so long?

Jesus died for your sins. It's good enough for half the religious population on the planet so it is good enough for you!

Tin-Man's picture
Amen, Brother Cog! Preach it!

Amen, Brother Cog! Preach it! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

boomer47's picture
@Cognostic

@Cognostic

"@POPE: Can anyone offer me one good reason why this situation has been allowed to persist for so long?"

Can't speak for other countries, but here in Oz it's the same reason we tolerate Xmas as a public holiday: We get time off work, get to eat great food and get pissed. AND if you must work, it's double time and a half.

As citizens of one of the most secular countries in the world, average Aussies don't give a flying flunggle about the religious significance of our days off. The single exception seems to be ANZAC day , which is revered, in Australia and New Zealand.

ANZAC Day is April 25th. This year, dawn services all over the country as well a marches have been cancelled. So too the travel of a large number of Aussie ,and I think Kiwi youth to Anzac Cove in Turkey to attend the dawn service on ANZAC Day.

Willing to bet the majority of Aussies wouldn't care if all religious based public holidays were cancelled . As long as we still got the days off. Just call them something thing secular, such as say 'Football Appreciation Day"

Pope Dave I's picture
Just to be clear, I am not

Just to be clear, I am not advocating the cancelling of any holiday. I am questioning the timing of it.

Cognostic:-"It's good enough for half the religious population on the planet"
No it is not. Many of them would like it to be later in the year and at a regular date, same as Xmas is.

D Killens:- "To me it is just a day off work with pay."
To many, it is a holiday with the family, preferably in good weather, which is unlikely if it falls in March.

Tin-man:-"If you are an atheist, why would it matter to you?"
Because I like to spend my holidays outside walking - better in May than March.

Keep em coming!

Cognostic's picture
@Pope Dave: RE: "Cognostic

@Pope Dave: RE: "Cognostic:-"It's good enough for half the religious population on the planet" No it is not. Many of them would like it to be later in the year and at a regular date, same as Xmas is."

YES IT IS!

boomer47's picture
@Cognostic

@Cognostic

"Cognostic:-"It's good enough for half the religious population on the planet" No it is not. Many of them would like it to be later in the year and at a regular date, same as Xmas is."

Many religious holidays are linked to the seasons. (in the northern hemisphere) Christians because they pinched them from the pagan holidays which were and are linked to the lunar calendar.EG the Asian NewYear and the Indian festival of lights, Devali . Not certain , but I think Jewish high holidays may also be linked to the lunar calendar.

Perhaps pertinent to point out that atheists and humanists are a minority of world population. I suspect far less than 50%., but possibly as high as 20% at a guess.

As far as I'm aware the majority of human beings on the planet have some form of religious beliefs. For the devout and even token believers, religious holidays and celebrations are not topics open for discussion or change because they form part of a religious framework work of beliefs.

From being on atheist forums it has become clear to me that generally speaking christians neither know nor care about the origins of their religion or its beliefs.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((9)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Trivia: As a child, on Christmas day we would visit my grandfather. On the way there we would drive along the seafront and laugh a the Brits having Xmas lunch on the beach. Usually a lone family of four. The temperature was often about 90 F. We saw nothing odd in having a hot roast Xmas lunch followed by a very rich, hot pudding with custard . --we were Catholic, so December 25th celebrated Jesus ' birth We were encouraged to believe Jesus was actually born on that date.

Old man shouts at clouds's picture
@ Pope Dave,

@ Pope Dave,

where I live March can be one of the hottest times of the year.....cant help your address old son.

Pope Dave I's picture
Cognostic:- "YES IT IS!"

Cognostic:- "YES IT IS!"

You attend too many pantomimes.

Tin-Man's picture
@Pope

@Pope

Ummmm.... Just out of curiosity, why do you have such a hard-on about Easter? Also, like Old Man said, just because a certain time of year might be better for you in your part of the world, it doesn't necessarily make it better for folks in other parts of the world (since you seem to want to speak for "most everybody"). Speaking of which, how many people around the globe have you interviewed in regards to their preferred Easter date?

Edit to add: That was very rude of Constantine to not consult you first before deciding to set the date for Easter.

Cognostic's picture
You had one too many cups of

You had one too many cups of Kool Aid.
Pope Dave: NO ITS NOT! NOT IT'S NOT!

Pope Dave I's picture
Ok, firstly, I do not care

Ok, firstly, I do not care when the Christians celebrate easter or whatever the pagans called it. I object to those who are not Christians being forced to take their holidays at the same time.

I would prefer that our own UK were to take a long weekend at some other weekend - such as cup final weekend. As for Constantine, he could do what he liked so why not extend the democratic mandate and revisit the spring holiday date on a country by country basis?

Currently, the earliest possible date for Easter is 22 March. The latest is 25 April, which has not happened since 1943, and will not recur until 2038. Although never implemented, in 1928 the House of Commons agreed a law to fix the date of Easter on the first Sunday after the second Saturday in April. So it could be done if the political will were there.

Old man shouts at clouds's picture
@ Pope Dave 1

@ Pope Dave 1

Who the fuck cares about soccer? Who the fuck cares about the very disunited kingdoms?
And lastly Easter is, and was a political holiday as explained to you.

If you don't want the holiday work through it and take other days off. Like the first Test.

Then lobby your Parliament in England to change the dates and the title. That is called representative democracy. I am sure the Scots and the Welsh Parliaments would decide for themselves...as would the Isle of Man.

I am equally sure the Parliaments of S africa, NZ and Australia wouldn't give much of a fuck either way what your fragment of the island decides.

I am also equally sure that most orthodox Christians and the Catholics would continue to holiday on the "traditional" dates of Easter...and then take your "atheist" holiday as well.

There just isn't the outrage you seem to feel in the general community about this issue. Just settle Gretal, unwad those panties and have a life.

Tin-Man's picture
@Pope Re: "I do not care

@Pope Re: "I do not care when the Christians celebrate easter or whatever the pagans called it. I object to those who are not Christians being forced to take their holidays at the same time."

Forced???.... *puzzled look*.... Who the hell is FORCING you to take the days off on that holiday? Believe it or not, if you were to decide to go find some work to do during the Easter holiday, I am almost willing to bet there would likely be nobody who gave two shits and a giggle. Then you can get with your boss and schedule to be off for whatever days you want that suit your need. Besides, if you are neither Christian or Pagan, then it is not your holiday anyway. If anything, you should actually be thanking the believers for giving us non-believers a free day or two off from work. Hmmm.... Ya know, I get the impression that you are one of those folks who would bitch about winning ten million dollars because you have to pay two million dollars in taxes. But, hey, what do I know? I'm just a simple-minded rust bucket with a few loose screws... *shrugging shoulders*...

boomer47's picture
@Tin Man

@Tin Man

You have to pay TAX on winnings from gambling, lotteries. etc?

We don't. Nor do we pay capital gains on our domicile nor on inherited wealth.

Here there is a value added tax as well as separate sales tax on many things ,like cars .(about 27% I think) All over Australia, it's law that all advertised prices are inclusive of taxes. None of that plus tax bullshit at the checkout.

Who forced people to take their public holidays? Here ,usually the employer because businesses close .If we are truly going to be a multi cultural society, muslims should get time off for Ramadan, Hindus for Diwali and Asians for lunar new year. --------

It could be set up so that people had a choice. Instead of taking religious holidays, they could have it added to annual leave. BUT no penalty rates for working say at Christmas or Easter. Be an interesting experiment -----

-----Like the time in1962 when Oz was going to switch to driving on the right hand side of the road .Some genius decided it would be spiffy to introduce it gradually .So, on the first day, everyone with a number plate ending in an even number-----------the death to toll was 5223.

I bet you've never heard of it. Of course not. We were all very embarrassed . Even now, it's a $10,000 fine to talk about it in public.

Nobody born after about 1958 knows about it. I'm taking a risk mentioning it here.

Cognostic's picture
@Pope Dave l: "Ok, firstly,

@Pope Dave l: "Ok, firstly, I do not care when the Christians celebrate easter or whatever the pagans called it. I object to those who are not Christians being forced to take their holidays at the same time"

Yea, I agree! Those fucktards. Last year Tin Man and Old Man tied me down with Christmas Lights and force fed me Easter eggs in the middle of June. What the hell is Eastercrist anyway? Fucking assholes! I had plans. I was going to get a shave, go to the beach and work on my tan. Those assholes ruined my whole summer. I was so constipated from all those damn eggs that I blew up like a beach ball and couldn't even poop out the bananas. I hate being forced to have a vacation with those two. Next Easterchrist, I'm gonna go keep Sheldon company.

Pope Dave I's picture
I am reminded of Diderot's

I am reminded of Diderot's comments about shining a light into a nest of owls.

What a waste of time that was.

Cognostic's picture
@Pope Dave l: Owl drink to

@Pope Dave l: Owl drink to that but it was a hoot while you were winging it. Hope you don't feel so Owl alone but hoo gives a hoot. I'm a talon you for sure it's not me. I smelled a fowl with the opening post. YES I DID!!!

Whitefire13's picture
I was too busy to read about

I was too busy to read about Easter - one of my least favourite holidays (Canada, snow still) ... I get to plant after our May long weekend...

So Poop Davey I’m with you. Let’s move the spring solstice to June 21 (oh fuck that’s summer, shit...)
Goddamn it, we’ll figure out this holiday mess and then work on the “time changes”...I mean really?!?! WHO decides whether a clock should move forward or backwards, let alone goddamn “time zones”!

Don’t mind these simple minded apes and cans and old men on trikes - they don’t understand what’s important in life!

Pope Dave I's picture
Ignoring the mentally ill for

Ignoring the mentally ill for a moment who seem to be suffering from cabin fever, let me address one of the grown up comments on this topic.

"Who the hell is FORCING you to take the days off on that holiday? " - tin-man

If children go to school, and many do, then they find that they close down at the Christian easter festival even when it takes place in March. This forces people to take their own holidays at an earlier time than they would prefer.

Cognostic:- Don't drink too much, it makes you incoherent.

Tin-Man's picture
@Pope Re: "Cognostic:- Don't

@Pope Re: "Cognostic:- Don't drink too much, it makes you incoherent."

Huh?... *perplexed*... You're kidding me, right? Dude, drinking is what keeps Cog even REMOTELY coherent. And you are here telling him NOT to drink???.... Ugh....

Cog!.... COG!.... Do not listen to the Pope! Feel free to drink as much as you want!... *handing over bottle* ... Here... A nice big bottle of banana schnapps to get your day started.

Tin-Man's picture
@Pope Re: "Ignoring the

@Pope Re: "Ignoring the mentally ill for a moment who seem to be suffering from cabin fever..."

Mentally ill?.... Mentally ill???... *indignant look"... Well! THAT'S just rude. You're just full of insults, aren't you? For your information, Mr. High-n-mighty, the correct term is now Neurological Deficiency. At least that is what my psychiatrist told me, anyway. Speaking of which, the staff at my new home are really nice. Sometimes they even take off my customized hug-myself jacket to let me scratch my nose.

Cognostic's picture
Pope Dave l: Those fucking

@Pope Dave l: Those fucking children. *Reaching for a cup of fermented banana juice and taking a swig* What assholes. *Reaching for another rum fuck cup of juicy banana and swig.* Just a bunch of sheeple holding guns to our heads. *Reaching for banana swig of cup rum.* But as you said, there is a revolt. Most no longer go to pubis schhhools. *rum fucking cup swig of bamaaaaaaama* and the many that do are becoming too fewer. *bmana sig cup of swig stuff.* Hom scoul is on the up. Peplese will no longer get FORCE holidays in sooner times than whatever the fuck they prefer because they are too fucking stupid to prefer their taken time, *bamama fuck cup swig of drink cup* Woooooo am I incohentinent ?

In Spirit's picture
@Pope Dave

@Pope Dave

There are solutions. Think outside the box....here's one simple solution.

Change job to one that allows you to work on holidays and allows you to take that day off when you wish according to your seniority.

I had a job like that working for the state. It allows you the freedom you seek.

Sorry folks...had to come back to calm this guy down. See you all in a few months perhaps.

Whitefire13's picture
@Poop Davey...” Ignoring the

@Poop Davey...” Ignoring the mentally ill ”

Totally agreed - then you broke your own rule and addressed these simpletons! Cog only drinks when he takes on superior minds regarding Easter Holidays and Tinny doesn’t understand that kids HATE time off school, so he won’t get “it”.

Tin-Man's picture
@Whitefire Re: "Tinny doesn

@Whitefire Re: "Tinny doesn’t understand that kids HATE time off school..."

WHAT???... Kids hate being out of school?... Seriously?... *shocked look*... You're right, I totally do not understand. I ALWAYS ENJOYED holidays away from school. So much so I would often make up my own holidays just to stay away from that place. All they ever wanted to do in that place was teach us crap like reading and writing and math and science. Where the hell is the fun in THAT? Although, in all fairness, I have to admit some of those text books were really tasty.

Tomcolumbus's picture
@Pope Dave I

@Pope Dave I

"If children go to school, and many do, then they find that they close down at the Christian easter festival even when it takes place in March. This forces people to take their own holidays at an earlier time than they would prefer."

I don't know where you live, so things could be different there.

But I live in a very Christian place(southern Indiana) and spring break is one thing, Easter is something else. Lots of places don't operate on Good Friday, but that's all there is to the Easter holiday. A three day weekend, and that's not universal by any stretch. Lots of people who don't care about Easter and like getting holiday pay. Then they can afford to take a few days off at time they prefer.

I think the problem you're having is that the people who really want traditional Easter, including the wonky lunar schedule, care a lot more than the various people who don't find Easter important. The current arrangements give them flexibility, it's the Christians who are being required to do stuff on an arbitrary and primitive schedule. This requirement, voluntarily accepted by Christians, gives the rest of us options that Christian religionists do not have. So we exploit them.
Tom

Tin-Man's picture
@Columbus

@Columbus

Very nicely put. I was planning on saying something like, "Yeah, the NERVE of those Christians having schools closed on Good Friday, forcing parents to spend extra time with their children." But your explanation sounds much nicer... *grin*...

Pope Dave I's picture
What would you say if the

What would you say if the muslims decided that Ramadan should be similarly observed with public holidays?

How about the hindhu festival of Divali? or the Jewish Passover?

I do not have a problem with people celebrating these festivals, but they do not impose them on others.

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