(Not So) Secular Potterverse

[cindysphynx]

No: HPFGUIDX 34206

John wrote:

> I disagree. It is entirely possible to celebrate Christmas without 
ever
> celebrating the "christ" aspect. I certainly do: though I am a 
Pagan, I
> Reclaim the holiday* and celebrate the secular aspects of it while
> separately celebrating the seasonal aspects of it.

I agree with John *and* Jenny!  I think Christmas (and Easter as 
well) have three gears, not two.  There are those who celebrate it 
for the religious importance, those who celebrate it for fun, and 
those for whom it runs counter to their beliefs.  For whatever 
reasons, the religious holidays of other religions have only two 
gears -- people tend to celebrate them or not celebrate them.  

My personal impression of Hogwarts' Christmas celebration is that it 
is in the middle category.  Those who celebrate Christmas as a true 
religious holiday do more (or at least, are supposed to do more) than 
sing a few carols and hang some lights.  

Indeed, I am quite thankful that JKR has, for the most part, left 
religion entirely out of the Potterverse.  Can you imagine the 
wailing and gnashing of teeth from the anti-Potter crowd if 
characters were worshipping any kind of deity?  JKR could never make 
everyone happy on this, so I am glad she didn't try.

Cindy