Not So Secular Potterverse

[jenny_ravenclaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 34173

Hey everyone -

I've been following some of the thread on God in HP and have read 
other threads on religion in HP and there is one thing people keep 
saying that really bothers me.  In JKR's world of witches and wizards, 
her characters all seem to celebrate Halloween, Christmas and Easter 
(or at least have an Easter break).  People have said a number of 
times that even though the Potterverse celebrates these holidays, it 
is done in a secular manner.  I have to say that I think there is no 
such thing as celebrating certain holidays in a secular way.

I am Jewish and not a very religious one.  My family goes all out for 
Halloween but if we were Orthodox Jews, we wouldn't acknowledge the 
day at all.  We do *not* celebrate Christmas and never did.  There are 
no Christmas caroles sung in our home, no Christmas feasts and no 
Christmas decorations.  This does not mean that I don't like 
Christmas; I do.  I think it is a beautiful holiday and I get excited 
to see the decorations, hear the music and get the vacation.  :-)  
However, Christmas is not a Jewish holiday, and neither is Easter  
Jews celebrate Chanukkah, and I see no mention of a menorah at 
Hogwarts.  Jews also celebrate Passover, yet Hogwarts students don't 
eat matzoh for a week in the spring.  That does not bother me at all, 
but it does bother me when people here insist that HP uses these 
holidays without a religious undertone.  Considering that Christmas 
and Easter are specifically religious holidays, the fact remains that 
the Potterverse is overwhelmingly a Christian one.  Not Jewish, 
Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist.  Christian.

I still love the suits of armor not knowing the words to the caroles, 
though, and Peeves coming to their aid and singing words of his own.  
:-)

--jenny from ravenclaw *****************