Our Cultural Holidays
We are, all of us, entrenched in our cultures. Our cultures are three fold, the culture of our civilization, the culture of our nation, and our personal culture. Because of this, we take with us certain attitudes, reverence, and duty to holidays that are not religiously important, but which can play a part in how we relate to the world and to the Gods.
Christmas
Yes, whether we like it or not, this Christian Holiday plays an important part in American life, and certainly in Western Civilization in general, but we all know that here in America it has become much more of a secular holiday than a true Christian Holiday, especially in the large cities where gathering with friends and shopping and family unity are prized during this time and not necessarily by going to church.
While we Hellenes do not celebrate Christmas, we are not minded to exclude ourselves from the celebrations, especially the cultural ones, related to this season which these days includes religious observances by almost every religion in America, each unique in its interpretation of the holiness of this time. We must treat the Christmas Holiday not with contempt, but with respect for our Christian friends and family, for though their religion may not be ours, it does recognize the inherent holiness of this time. Go to those Christmas parties with your friends, give gifts to the kids, do it in Bacchus' name, and enjoy!
New Years
This is the perfect secular celebration, in my opinion. I love New Year celebrations. The drinking, the dancing, the kiss on the cheek for luck. It is all marvelous, and the final stage of the Heliogenna attempts to capture some of this.
Martin Luther King
I personally celebrate this day, and several others during the year, as a day of heroes. I consider Martin Luther King a true American Hero, and during the year you may wish to find those days dedicated to national and local heroes and celebrate those.
Mardi Gras
Let's remember what this holiday is, it is a Spring Equinox celebration which in Catholicism marks the beginning of the ancient Roman Year. The Greeks too had Day of License celebrations in which people who were normally restricted, like women, were allowed license to essentially misbehave. For many of us, going to Mardi Gras parties, or maybe to Carnaval in the Carribean, or maybe even Brazil (There are versions all over the Catholic world) is a very fun event in our lives. We seldom give thought to the religious implications of this, but it should be remembered that it is indeed an ancient festival form that we Hellenes can indeed call part of our own tradition which the Catholic and Orthodox Church took upon itself and made their own. (This is not theft, but assimilation) The Great Dionysia was celebrated during this time, so take that as your cue and go...
Spring Equinox
The Spring Equinox, like the Winter one, has always been very important to the religions of the world. Celebrations like the City Dionysia, Easter, Ostara (Neo-Pagan), Passover, Holi (Hindu festival of colors), Nourus (Zorastrian), and the Baha'i Nawruz are all celebrated at this time. Have at it, and maybe make of this time an opportunity for interfaith communication.
President's Day
Countries all over the world celebrate their founders, great leaders, etc. This is another of my Heroes days.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Commemorating war is not always a good thing, but commemorating those who valiantly fight for us, those who remain, and those who die in the line of duty is. We remember that our rites are not simply given, but fought for. My only problem is that we should have a national Police and Firefighter memorial day as well. We see them every day, they put their lives on the line every day, and they save lives every day. Might be time to recognize them.
Independence Day
This is a common enough name for holidays all over the world. Each nation celebrating it at the appropriate time, and with their own festivities. Celebrate Athena Polioukos, Hera Polia, Zeus Xenios, and many other Gods.
Labor Day
OK, just because I am a laborer, yet do not get this day off.
Mother's Day
Mother's deserve it, and don't forget the Mother Goddesses.
Father's Day
Father's deserve it, and don't forget the Great Father.
Halloween
This one is just fun, and there is evidence that there were festivities around this time in honor of Apollo of the fillets.
Thanksgiving
Many have suggested this day of feasting and thanks as a day to honor the Virgin Hestia.