From main site OT: Christmas at Hogwarts

[meidbh]

Message 112412
Geoff:
"...in the UK, we call our holidays "Christmas"
and "Easter" because that is what they celebrated.It is only in the 
last few years that they have become linked with some of the ethnic 
minorities who have come to the UK largely since WWII."


Meidbh:

With respect - I think you are wrong here. There is a long history 
of non christian midwinter and spring celebrations in what is now 
Britain. These celebrations were in place *long* before the concept 
of Christianity came to these shores (brought by it's own ethnic 
minorities!). Many people nowadays celebrate christmas and easter as 
secular festivals and why not? It's the perfect opportunity to 
gather with loved ones, share food and gifts, give to the needy and 
celebrate the birth of a new year and the return of spring. A spirit 
and feeling by no means exclusively christian.

I wouldn't read too much into the celebration of Christmas at 
Hogwarts. If JKR wanted to make a religious statement she'd have 
included school prayers, a school chaplain or a school church. The 
absence of any of these in a school the size, age and location of 
Hogwarts is significant. A major theme of the books is inclusiveness 
and tolerance, and as at all the best parties, the expression of 
strong opinions regarding RW sex, politics or religion would be 
inappropriate.

MHO

Meidbh