Day: 1/29/08

More study today for me. This time, I was spending time online to find out about various Norse (viking) hol(y)days. As most information regarding the ancient Norse religion has been obscured or corrupted or forgotten over the years, there is much variation and variety to be found. Some days I found were claiming ancient origin, even to preclude recognized Christian holidays. These earlier days bear some, and often many, explanations as to how current holidays are actually based on the older.

Some of the holidays are more recent or clannish in their observance. These days are not likely to have been recognized in ancient times, but they call back to ancient times to honor the past and the dead.

A few websites that I visited (and still have the links to :) ):

http://www.asatru.org/

http://www.wizardrealm.com/norse/holidays.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_holidays#Celtic.2C_Norse.2C_and_Neopagan_holidays

Not that I actually plan to adopt these particular holidays, but I find them interesting and as I don't particularly celebrate many holidays as it is now, maybe I will find some meaning in new ones that I am not as familiar with.

Christmas is one holiday that I typically celebrate, sort of. I find that each year I lose more interest in the actual day as the commercialism continues to push and push on us. What does Christmas mean to most people now anymore but a day we are supposed to give presents? Do children even understand 'why' they are getting presents?

Halloween is a fun one for me. I enjoy this holiday (even though we don't get the day off work for it). However, this too is becoming a commercial day, more and more push to sell candy. Are children even told about All Hallow's Eve and why it is observed?

The meanings of so many things that are observed, people have forgotten in favor of the commercial aspects of the event. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, Boss's Day, and on and on. I don't even know 'why' we celebrate some of these days. A sad state our state is in.

And people wonder why there is so much violence and hatred in the world. I can think of one reason.