LETTERS: CUSTOMS TAKE ON CHRISTIAN MEANING

To the editor:

In a recent Speak Out comment, a person referred to the customs of Christmas and Easter as pagan. Perhaps that person does not know the meaning and origin of the various customs.

While it is true that certain of these customs may in one form or another have had pagan origin, they were given a Christian meaning.

The Christmas tree, with its evergreen branches and cone-like shape, is symbolic of eternal life. The lights symbolize the promises of God about the coming of the Christ. The wreath symbolizes eternal life in Christ. The candles represent Christ, the light of salvation.

Easter, the resurrection festival of Christ, is of tremendous importance to Christians. The egg is symbolic of eternal life in Christ. The cross is the chief symbol of Christianity and was at one time a Roman instrument of torture for execution of criminals. Now it is our victory banner.

Our days of the week have pagan names. Sunday is in honor of the Roman sun god. Monday is in honor of the Roman moon god. Thursday is in honor of the Roman god of thunder. Shall we change all these customs and days?

The important thing is that we honor God and Christ on our festival day and every day and stop arguing about such trivial outward matters.

LEONARD A. KUEHNERT

Altenburg