by BlackSwan of Memphis 16 Replies latest watchtower bible
looking for an article that has been published within last 1-2 yrs regarding pagan holidays and practices.
The article mentions to some effect that pagan practices that have lost it's pagan connotation were a conscience matter. Something along these lines anyway.
If there is any way I could get a scanned copy that would be great, if not and just the cd version that is just as helpful.
Thx
BSoM
BlackSwan of Memphis,
This may be what you are looking for:
*** w91 10/15 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***Respectfully,
Questions From Readers
— When someone dies, is it proper for Christians to give flowers to the family or to send flowers to the funeral home?
In some lands it is customary to do so. But using flowers at funerals has at times had a religious meaning. So let us examine the matter in some detail, especially since there are other customs that may seem to have similar links to false religion. Note comments from The Encyclopedia of Religion (1987):
“Flowers are connected to the sacred realm through their association with gods and goddesses. Flora, the Roman goddess of springtime and flowers, brings beauty and fragrance to blossoms . . . Deities may be appeased and worshiped . . . through the offering of food and flowers.
“The association of flowers with rituals of death occurs all over the world. The Greeks and Romans covered the dead and their graves with flowers. The souls of dying Buddhists in Japan are carried upward on a lotus, and the gravestones in cemeteries may rest on carved lotuses . . . Tahitians leave bouquets wrapped in ferns by the body after death and then pour floral perfume over the corpse to ease its passage into the sacred afterlife . . . Flowers may also be present at sacred times in the form of incense or perfume.”
Aware that flowers have been used in connection with false religion, some Christians have felt that they should not give or send flowers for a funeral. Their feeling may also reflect a desire to avoid worldly customs, since Jesus’ followers are to be “no part of the world.” (John 15:19) However, relevant Bible texts and local sentiments have a bearing on the matter.
Flowers are part of God’s good gifts for the living to enjoy. (Acts 14:15-17; James 1:17) His created floral beauty has been used in true worship. The lampstand in the tabernacle was decorated with “flowers of almond . . . and blossoms.” (Exodus 25:31-34) Engravings in the temple included garlands and palm trees. (1 Kings 6:18, 29, 32) Clearly, pagan use of flowers or garlands did not mean that true worshipers always had to avoid using them.—Acts 14:13.
What, though, about the broader issue of following customs, such as funeral customs? The Bible refers to many customs, some improper for true worshipers, others followed by God’s people. First Kings 18:28 cites the “custom” of Baal worshipers of “calling at the top of their voice and cutting themselves”—a custom that true worshipers would not follow. On the other hand, Ruth 4:7 suggests no disapproval of “the custom of former times in Israel concerning the [manner of exercising the] right of repurchase.”
Customs acceptable to God might even develop in strictly religious matters. When God outlined the Passover ceremony, he did not mention the use of wine, but by the first century, it was customary to use cups of wine. Jesus and his apostles did not reject this religious custom. They found it unobjectionable, and they followed it.—Exodus 12:6-18; Luke 22:15-18; 1 Corinthians 11:25.
It is similar with some funeral customs. Egyptians customarily embalmed the dead. The faithful patriarch Joseph did not automatically react, ‘This is a pagan custom, so we Hebrews must avoid it.’ Rather, he “commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father,” evidently so that Jacob could be buried in the Promised Land. (Genesis 49:29–50:3) The Jews later developed different funeral customs, such as bathing the body and burying it on the day of death. Early Christians accepted such Jewish customs.—Acts 9:37.
However, what if a funeral custom is viewed as having a meaning based on religious error, such as belief in an immortal soul? Recall from the encyclopedia that some “leave bouquets wrapped in ferns by the body after death and then pour floral perfume over the corpse to ease its passage into the sacred afterlife.” That there might be such a custom does not mean that God’s servants must shun anything similar. While the Jews did not believe in “passage into the sacred afterlife,” the Bible says: “They took the body of Jesus and bound it up with bandages with the spices, just the way the Jews have the custom of preparing for burial.”—John 12:2-8; 19:40.
Christians should avoid practices that conflict with Biblical truth. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Still, all kinds of objects, designs, and practices have, at some time or place, been given a false interpretation or have been linked with unscriptural teachings. Trees have been worshiped, the heart shape has been viewed as sacred, and incense has been used in pagan ceremonies. Does this mean that a Christian must never use incense, have trees in any decoration, or wear heart-shaped jewelry? That is not a valid conclusion.
A genuine Christian should consider: Would following a custom indicate to others that I have adopted unscriptural beliefs or practices? The time period and location could influence the answer. A custom (or design) might have had a false religious meaning millenniums ago or might have such today in a distant land. But without going into time-consuming investigation, ask yourself: ‘What is the common view where I live?’—Compare 1 Corinthians 10:25-29.If it is well-known that a custom (or a design, such as the cross) has a false religious meaning, avoid it. Christians would thus not send flowers in the form of a cross, or a red heart if that is viewed as having religious significance. Or there may be some formal way in which flowers are used at a funeral or at a grave site that has a religious meaning locally. The Christian should avoid that too. That is not to say, though, that simply providing a bouquet at a funeral or giving flowers to a friend in the hospital must be viewed as a religious act that must be avoided.
On the contrary, in many lands the custom of providing flowers is widespread and is viewed as an appropriate kindness. Flowers can contribute some beauty and can make a sad occasion more pleasant. They also may be a gesture of sympathy and concern. Elsewhere the custom may be to manifest such sentiments by a generous act, such as providing a meal for ill or grieving ones. (Recall the affection felt for Dorcas because she expressed her interest in and concern for others. [Acts 9:36-39]) When doing so is not clearly linked with false beliefs, some of Jehovah’s Witnesses are accustomed to providing cheerful flowers for a hospitalized friend or in the case of a death. And individually they may further express their interest and feelings by practical acts.—James 1:27; 2:14-17.
Hm...
No, I think this one was within the last couple of years
But this one is extremely helpful. Thank you!!
BSoM
You might be thinking of the 2 articles on luaus and pinatas. I have included the letters from readers questioning this "new" doctrine.
***
g03 4/8 p. 30 From Our Readers ***Luaus
I read with interest your article "Let’s Have a Hawaiian Luau." (June 8, 2002) Several years ago I attended a luau in Hawaii. I felt there were strong religious and spiritistic overtones. Even if luaus today do not involve religious or spiritistic aspects, how are they different from other celebrations that have pagan origins but simply have been adopted by modern cultures to be a family fun gathering?L. F., United States
"Awake!"
responds: As noted there in our footnote on page 24, while the luau may at one time have had a connection with false religious practices, the word now has simply come to refer to a Hawaiian banquet. A specific gathering to which the word "luau" is applied may or may not be appropriate for a Christian to attend. As in all aspects of life, Christians should make decisions that will leave them with a clear conscience before Jehovah God.—1 Timothy 1:5, 19; see also the January 8, 2000, issue of "Awake!" pages 26-7.***
g02 6/8 pp. 24-27 Let’s Have a Hawaiian Luau ***Let’s
Have a Hawaiian LuauBY AWAKE! WRITER IN HAWAII
FLOWER leis, the hula, and swaying palm trees. Mention Hawaii and such things come to mind. Millions of visitors from all over the world come to Hawaii to see these and also to take part in our world-famous luau, or Hawaiian feast.
On a warm, balmy evening, as cool ocean breezes blow, a giant Hawaiian sun slowly sinks into the Pacific Ocean. Come be our guests at one of the hotels that regularly host typical Hawaiian luaus. I see that you are already in the mood, as you men are wearing traditional aloha shirts and you ladies, lovely muumuus. We are a bit early, so let’s go and see how our food is being prepared.
As we enter the luau grounds, we are greeted by a maiden in her ti-leaf skirt. She then presents each of us with a flower lei and a tropical drink to cool our parched throats—always good after a long day of sightseeing or sunbathing on the sandy beaches. Spread before us on tables are such delicacies as poi, sweet potatoes, lomilomi salmon, and other popular island foods.
Our attention is drawn to a steaming mound of dirt away from the dining area. We observe several husky men wearing loincloths, who are carefully moving dirt and layers of leaves to the side of the mound. Soon we see a whole roasted pig pulled out of the ground. It is to be the main course of our luau. You might be asking yourself, ‘Are we going to eat this? It smells delicious, but it certainly doesn’t look appetizing or sanitary.’ However, before you think of leaving, let me explain how the meal is prepared, and you will see that there is nothing unsanitary about it. I know that you will try this delicious sampling of ancient Hawaiian cooking once you understand the method of this unusual cooking style.
What
Is an Imu?The imu was used by the ancient Hawaiians to cook a variety of their foods. Very simply, it is an underground oven. Besides pigs, they cooked fish, chickens, and smaller birds as well as sweet potatoes, taro roots, breadfruit, and puddings in the imu. Even the leaves of the sweet potato and taro were used in cooking.
The smaller items might have been wrapped in ti leaves and steam roasted. This cooking method is called laulau. The entire process of cooking in the imu is termed "kalua," literally meaning "the hole." Hence, our main course is known as kalua pig. This method of cooking is really a combination of roasting and steaming, as we shall see.
The ancient Hawaiians dug a hole large enough to accommodate all the meal items. Work usually began early in the morning so that the food would be ready for the evening meal. Firewood was laid in the bottom of the hole, similar to the way a large open campfire would be built. Tinder and kindling were laid out, and a pile of wood large enough to burn for three or four hours was carefully added.
The logs were arranged around a stick standing upright. Later the stick was removed, and smoldering ashes were dropped down into the hole to start the fire. Fires were started by rubbing two sticks together. Smooth basalt stones were then placed on top of the wood. Basalt was used because it could be heated without bursting. The stones might range from the size of a fist to that of a bowling ball. Quite a number of stones were needed, as they and the rest of the coals were the source of heat for the entire cooking process. The stones were heated until they were red-hot. Then any unburned wood was removed.
After the stones were brushed free of ashes, some of them were placed into the abdominal and thoracic cavities of the salted pig to ensure thorough cooking. Smaller cone-shaped stones might be inserted into the cavity of the chickens as well. The rest of the stones and coals were then evenly spread over the bottom and sides of the hole and were covered with layers of grass and ti or banana leaves. The stumps of the banana plant might also be smashed and thrown over the stones. This would prevent the intense heat from burning or scorching the food and would also provide moisture so that the food would be, in effect, roasted and steamed at the same time.
After enough leaves were in place, the pig was lowered onto the leaves, along with the rest of the meal. Everything was again covered with another generous layer of leaves. Tapa cloth made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree or mats made of woven lauhala were next spread over the leaves so that there was no chance of any dirt coming in contact with the food. The entire mound was then covered with a thick layer of dirt, so as not to allow any steam to escape from the imu. Water was sometimes sprinkled over the mound to keep it moist. At times, a hollow piece of bamboo was inserted into the mound if the cook deemed it necessary so that more water could be added.
Cooking time depended on various factors, such as the amount and type of food put into the imu and the number of stones that were used. It might have taken several hours for the pig to be fully cooked, depending on its size. When it was decided that enough time had passed, the dirt was carefully removed, followed by the mats and the leaves, to reveal the cooked meal. The food was placed in receptacles, allowed to cool, and then served cold. Uncooked meat was cut out and cooked at another time or in another fashion, such as by broiling or boiling.
Since the ancients had no fireproof utensils, food to be boiled was placed in a wooden bowl with water, and red-hot stones were dropped into it. The uncooked meat might also have been salted, being preserved in this manner for later use. Since cooking was hard, heavy work, the men cooked the meals. For obvious reasons, the imu was used over and over again. It was often located under some kind of a shelter, which formed a permanent kitchen for use in bad weather.
The
Imu TodayToday at our luaus you will notice that things haven’t really changed much as far as the use of the imu is concerned. A wire mesh might be used to keep the pig together while it is being removed from the pit, as the kalua cooking method causes the meat literally to fall off the bones. Burlap bags have replaced the woven mats or tapa cloths. But other than such minor innovations, the imu has survived intact despite many other changes in the Hawaiian culture.
After all the meat is off the bones, more salt may be added according to taste. Then the kalua pig is ready to eat. Let the luau begin! You may choose to sit here on this mat on the ground and eat off a low table or sit at a more traditional Western table with chairs. In either case, we know you will be glad you stayed for our feast.
[Footnote]
Although the luau may originally have had some connection with false religious practices, the word has simply come to refer to a Hawaiian banquet. Many Christians may therefore conscientiously feel that they can participate.
[Box
on page 27]You
Don’t Have to Dig a HoleIf you would like to try this Hawaiian treat, you will most likely have to come to Hawaii for an authentic luau. But if you are willing to settle for a reasonable facsimile, you might be able to cook your own kalua pig right in your kitchen.
Even here in Hawaii, we do not all have time to use an imu every time we want to eat kalua pig. Therefore, we have made adjustments in order to save some time and effort. Instead of a whole pig, you might settle for a pork butt or roast. For a leaner meat, you might even use chicken or turkey. In any event, rub the whole roast with one tablespoon of liquid smoke per pound [0.5 kg] of meat. This seasoning will give your meat a smoky smell and taste.
If you are able to obtain green ti leaves, wrap the meat in them. Place it in a slow cooker, as this more closely duplicates the moist heat of the imu. If you don’t have a slow cooker, your regular oven will work just as well. To keep as much of the moisture in as possible, cover your roast with some foil after wrapping it with ti leaves. Use a low oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit [160°C], and cook until well done. The meat should fall away from the bones easily. Shred the meat, and add some of the juices, or drippings, to moisten it. Now your homemade kalua pig is ready for your luau.
After trying this sample of Hawaiian cooking, you may be moved to come here and enjoy the real thing.
[Picture
on page 25]Red hibiscus
[Picture on page 25]Popular island foods include poi, sweet potatoes, and lomilomi salmon
[Picture on page 25]The hula
[Credit Line]Ron Dahlquist/SuperStock
[Picture on page 25]A traditional welcome with flower leis
[Picture on page 26]Removing the kalua pig from the "imu"
*** g04 7/8 p. 30 From Our Readers ***Piñatas I read with interest the article "The Piñata—An Ancient Tradition." (September 22, 2003) It left me with some questions. The ties to false religion are well-documented. But the article seemed to take the position that as long as it doesn’t bother someone’s conscience, it is OK. What about birthdays and holidays such as Christmas?S. W., United States
"Awake!" responds: Christians refrain from any celebrations or customs that continue to involve false religious beliefs or activities that violate Bible principles. For example, the Bible definitely puts birthday celebrations in a bad light. (Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6-10) However, if it is very obvious that a custom has no current false religious significance and involves no violation of Bible principles, each Christian must make a personal decision as to whether he will follow such a custom.*** g03 9/22 pp. 22-24 The Piñata—An Ancient Tradition ***The Piñata—An Ancient TraditionBY AWAKE! WRITER IN MEXICO
THE neighborhood children are having a fiesta. We can hear their excited voices crying out: "Dale! Dale! Dale!" (Hit it! Hit it! Hit it!) We peer over into the patio and observe a gaily decorated papier-mâché burro suspended between two trees. A blindfolded child is striking out at the burro with a stick, attempting to break it. The guests are shouting encouragement. At last, the burro bursts open, and candy, fruit, and toys spill out. Amid much laughter, all scramble to pick up the treats. It looks like fun. We are told that the burro is called a piñata and that breaking a piñata at fiestas is a tradition here in Mexico and some other Latin-American countries.
We wonder why the piñata is so popular. What is its origin? Does breaking the piñata have any special significance? We decided to investigate.
The Origin of the PiñataA widespread opinion is that the Chinese may have been the first to use something like a piñata as part of their New Year’s celebration, which also marked the beginning of spring. They made figures of cows, oxen, and buffalo, covering them with colored paper and filling them with five kinds of seeds. Colored sticks were used to break the figures open. The decorative paper that covered the figures was burned and the ashes gathered and kept for good luck during the coming year.
It is thought that in the 13th century, Venetian traveler Marco Polo took the "piñata" back with him from China to Italy. There, it acquired its present name from the Italian word pignatta, or fragile pot, and came to be filled with trinkets, jewelry, or candy instead of seeds. The tradition then spread to Spain. Breaking the piñata became a custom on the first Sunday of Lent. It seems that at the beginning of the 16th century, Spanish missionaries brought the piñata to Mexico.
However, the missionaries may have been surprised (as we were) to find that the native people of Mexico already had a similar tradition. The Aztecs celebrated the birthday of Huitzilopochtli, their god of the sun and war, by placing a clay pot on a pole in his temple at the end of the year. The pot was adorned with colorful feathers and filled with tiny treasures. It was then broken with a stick, and the treasures that spilled out became an offering to the god’s image. The Maya also played a game in which blindfolded participants hit a clay pot suspended by a string.
As part of their strategy to evangelize the Indians, the Spanish missionaries ingeniously made use of the piñata to symbolize, among other things, the Christian’s struggle to conquer the Devil and sin. The traditional piñata was a clay pot covered with colored paper and given a star shape with seven tasseled points. These points were said to represent the seven deadly sins: greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath, and lust. Striking the piñata while blindfolded represented blind faith and willpower overcoming temptation or evil. The treats inside the piñata were the reward.
The Piñata TodayLater, the piñata became part of the festivities of the posadas during the Christmas season and continues as such to this day. (A star-shaped piñata is used to represent the star that guided the astrologers to Bethlehem.) Breaking the piñata is also considered indispensable at birthday parties. Indeed, piñatas have become so traditionally Mexican that Mexico even exports them to other countries.
We found that for many people in Mexico, the piñata has lost its religious significance and is considered by most to be just harmless fun. In fact, piñatas are used in Mexico on many festive occasions, not just for the posadas or for birthdays. And piñatas can be purchased in many forms other than the traditional star shape. They are sometimes made to resemble animals, flowers, clowns.
When considering whether to include a piñata at a social gathering, Christians should be sensitive to the consciences of others. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area. Understandably, opinions may vary from one place to another. Hence, it is wise to avoid turning such matters into big issues. The Bible says: "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person."—1 Corinthians 10:24.
[Footnotes]In some religions, such as Catholicism, Lent is the 40-day period of penance that culminates in Holy Week celebrations at Easter time.
In Mexico the posadas is a nine-day celebration prior to Christmas, enacting Joseph and Mary’s search for posada, or lodging. A piñata is broken as the culmination of the festivities on each of the nine nights.
[Picture on page 23]When considering whether to include a piñata at a social gathering, be sensitive to the consciences of others
[Picture on page 23]Piñatas come in all kinds of shapes and sizes
Blondie,
Thank you for these. Seems like maybe these were the ones. Between all three articles I think that these will be extremely helpful.
(side note: amazing simply amazing isn't it?)
BSoM
Notice the last paragraph on the second page.
"Awake!" responds: As noted there in our footnote on page 24, while the luau may at one time have had a connection with false religious practices, the word now has simply come to refer to a Hawaiian banquet. A specific gathering to which the word "luau" is applied may or may not be appropriate for a Christian to attend. As in all aspects of life, Christians should make decisions that will leave them with a clear conscience before Jehovah God.—1 Timothy 1:5, 19; see also the January 8, 2000, issue of "Awake!" pages 26-7.
Sounds like Bull Shit to me. My wife and I were at a luau in Maui where before we started to eat we were asked to stand and join in some sort of prayer ritual to the "great spirit" or something like that. Even though it meant nothing to me I remained seated with my wife and daughter since it was easier than getting into shit over it later with her. They talk out of both sides of their mouths on this issue.
I recently also posted about the use of bridesmaids in dub weddings. It was connected to evil spirits and not too long ago either.In spite of this NOTHING has been said about this topic.They do love to go on and on about toasting and throwing rice however.
Hello Bl Swan.
As you know, I was a conscientious witness until Sept. And when I left, all the holidays were stilled banned.. Xmas, New Years, birthdays, Easter, 4th of July, memorial days..Halloween, Thanksgiving. But it was according to your conscience, as to exactly how you did (didn't) celebrate them. Another words..if you went to an xmas celebration, and just visited and ate, noone would yell, if you said you just went because 'it was the only day everyone got together.'
Between the lines translations of the articles Blondie posted:
1) GB members and other Bethel big-wigs enjoy traveling to Hawaii for District Conventions. While there, they attend luaus. So, the pagan background is irrelevant.
2) The by-far fastest growing segment, at least in raw numbers, of JWs comes from Latin American countries. Pinatas are highly popular there. Banning pinatas might have an adverse effect on recruitment efforts. Therefore you can safely ignore their pagan background.
