Growing up, I never believed in the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy or Santa Clause. My parents didn't want to lie to me, I'm assuming, therefore I had to go through life actually being reminded what the holidays were originally meant to be.
The big question is: what are these holidays supposed to mean?
It all depends on your beliefs. What is your religion? Obviously your religious beliefs will hinder one from celebrating Christmas or Easter the same way as some one else. What is your family background? This will hinder one from celebrating the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving the same way as some one else.
Here is a list of some holidays that are celebrated in multiple different ways.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This became a federal holiday in 1986 in order to celebrate the late civil rights leader. Some celebrate because they have a day off of work or school. Others celebrate because they appreciate what the leader accomplished. I'm not saying that one way is wrong, because I'm definitely a part of the first group more than I am the second. And it's not because I'm an insensitive person, it's because of my background and family tree.
Presidents Day
No one cares about Presidents Day.
Good Friday/Easter
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Some schools have this day off and a tradition started in England to eat hot-cross buns. Three days later is Easter, the day that Jesus rose from the dead. Now, this all comes from the Christian faith, therefore other religions will not partake in the same way. The Easter Bunny first came into play during the 1700s in Germany and spread to places like America. Because the Easter Bunny is not affiliated with any religion, it's a very popular way that people celebrate Easter. Originally Easter was a Christian holiday to remember the sacrifice that God made to mankind, but was made into a family gathering, Easter egg hunt and barbecue event. Which by the way, is awesome.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is mostly referred to as Mexico's Independence Day. Most Americans use this holiday to party with friends, family and alcohol. Most Mexicans also do this, but obviously they have a little more to celebrate than the majority of others.
Independence Day / Fourth of July
I wrote this article because the Fourth of July is upon us. The independence of all American states and territories in 1776 was fought for. My ancestors have more respect for this holiday because they grew up closer to war. The generations after them have less and less and it becomes more about the watermelons, family and fireworks. As I've said before, it's not wrong for people to celebrate this way and of all the holidays this one has seemed to keep its original value more than others. But it is kind of sad that the meaning of the day was almost pushed under the rug. Now we all have that one friend on Facebook who posts a long paragraph about how important Independence Day is and should be to everyone, but how many people does that actually touch?
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has kept it original meaning, with the addition of some turkey and stuffing. Look at most kindergarten classes, they learn all about it.
Christmas
The Christian faith has celebrated the birth of Jesus on this day for centuries. Before the idea of the tree, presents, stockings and Santa Clause came along, I can only assume that people celebrated surrounded by family, praying and praising. Some homes still have kept this original way, and I just happened to be one of them and that makes me very happy. Some homes will never celebrate Christmas because their religion says otherwise, such as the Jehovah Witness or Jewish church. Therefore, their way of celebrating is going to be much different.
No ways of celebrating a holiday is the wrong way, because there isn't a wrong way to celebrate if it brings one joy. I'm not complaining that people have different ways to celebrate, or even choose not celebrate. Every individual has a right to do as they please. I only implore you to look at these holidays and celebrate, because life should be celebrated.
