question? about religious holidays.

[doorknob]

If every one became an atheist would you still observe the holidays?  just like an old traditional thing? As for me I still celebrate christmas because as a holiday I like gift giving and I also love the decorations.

[PickelledEggs]

It depends on what you mean by "the holidays" and by if "everyone became an atheist"

I assume that you meant everyone on earth and the religious holidays like christmas and easter and I think to an extent yeah. People in general like to have a good time and holidays are a good excuse for large groups of people and populations of people to have a good time together. In fact, christmas time is still my favorite time of year.

If everyone on earth eventually became atheist, I'm sure people will still observe and celebrate holidays.

[doorknob]

Sorry I guess that was kind of confusing. But yes that's what I meant.

[AllPurposeAtheist]

We'd just rename them.. Holiday A, holiday B, holiday C, etc.

[Solitary]

Not Tooth Fairy Day?  Solitary

[AllPurposeAtheist]

Not Tooth Fairy Day?  Solitary

That would be your annual checkup and some pretty big titted dental hygienist poking sharp metal into your gums.

[stromboli]

Every religious holiday- for the Western world, Christian- has in fact been grafted onto other holidays or observances.

Christmas is the Winter Solstice

Easter the Spring Equinox

Halloween is based on the Druid Vigil of Samhain, in remembrance of the dead. Also harvest celebration.

Christmas can be also celebrated as Saturnalia (Read: Toga! Toga! Toga!) or as a pagan winter solstice. Most of the traditions of Christmas, the tree, Mistletoe, Wassail, caroling, etc. are descended from Nordic Solstice celebrations.

Christmas in the modern sense didn't appear until about the 17th century.

Celebrate them any way you want.

[Jason78]

If every one became an atheist would you still observe the holidays?

I like to think that if everyone became an atheist that we'd have even more holidays!

Also your avatar is creepy and disturbing.   Well done! :)

[St Giordano Bruno]

I just avoid the Christmas carols just cannot stomach them, but I still like turkey and ham and many of those secular trappings.

[stromboli]

I like to think that if everyone became an atheist that we'd have even more holidays!

Also your avatar is creepy and disturbing.   Well done! :)

Hey, wait! That Avatar is NOT creepy and disturbing! It's, ah.... You're right. Creepy and disturbing. I like it.

[Mermaid]

We don't really participate in holidays (including Christmas) anyway. I get presents for and from one friend who is Christian. I think if a switch were flipped and suddenly everyone in the world became atheist, Christmas and Easter in the USA would persist since they are so much part of our culture and also a big part of our economy.

[stromboli]

If you got rid of religion the holidays would persist, with more nudity.

[Johan]

[doorknob]

Thanks my avatar wasn't meant to be creepy or disturbing though. Ball jointed dolls happens to be my hobby. Creepy and disturbing or not thanks for liking it. I suppose I'll roll with that.

[Jason78]

I find it creepy because it looks almost, but not quite, human.