Almost a third of Dutch nationals do not know why Christmas is celebrated, according to a new survey quoted by the Dutch ANP news agency.A survey of 750 Dutch adults made public late on Wednesday showed that 26 per cent of respondents did not know which Biblical story was commemorated at Christmas. Six per cent named an event other that the birth of Jesus Christ.

The poll remarkably revealed that even Christians do not always know the origin of Christmas. Some 29 per cent of Protestants polled pointed to the wrong Biblical story, while 26 per cent of Roman Catholics did not think of the birth of Jesus.

Among the non-religious, 35 per cent could not say why Christmas was celebrated.

The poll was commissioned by Dutch Christian television broadcasting organisation NCRV.


View: Full Article | Source: Hindustan Times

I know what it's about and I hate what it has become. Time is running out to buy crappy gifts oh what joy


hum bug

Um.. isn't it equinox?

hmmm... do you think they carried out the survey in Dutch coffee shops? If so then I'm not surprised!

Now, now Nxt2Hvn. Steady.

I would be interested to see how the rest of Europe got on. I'm sure quite a few countries didn't do much better (and very possibly a lot worse). As far as I can tell, a lot of the world is now living in a post-christian environment, and certainly among most of the people I know, the symbolic meaning of Christmas - as a time to celebrate the birthday of Jesus - has just ceased to become important, or indeed necessary.

Over here in the Czech Republic, which is quite definitely a post-christian society, Christmas is regarded more as a celebration for the end of the year.

And you can't put the genie back in the bottle, as they say. So that's the end, I think, for any connection between Jesus and Christmas.

Hey guys, I know this is a Christmas thread but lets not forget that "Christmas" is not the only holiday celebrated this time of year. I mean, everyone around here my area is always spittin out "Merry Christmas" which is fine... But I think that in this day and age Happy Holidays is more appropriate.

Some of us Jews celebrate what is called: "Chanukah".

I dont go around yelling "Happy Chanukah" everyone!

I'm not in the stores telling the retail merchants "Happy Chanukah".

What about those who celebrate Kwanza?

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

BTW, sorry for the rant... It's just a pet peeve...

I know the facts... don't need the "link".. but thanks for your efforts!

Just to prove I know what you are trying to say....here is something of interest.

The first mention of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar. The celebration of this day as Jesus' birth date was probably influenced by pagan (unchristian) festivals held at that time. The ancient Romans held year-end celebrations to honor Saturn, their harvest god; and Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples in northern Europe held festivals in mid-December to celebrate the end of the harvest season. As part of all these celebrations, the people prepared special foods, decorated their homes with greenery, and joined in singing and gift giving. These customs gradually became part of the Christmas celebration.

And here is something from your link

"So why do we celebrate Christmas on 25th December? Some people say it's as good a time as
any, and it doesn't really matter when Jesus was born as long as we celebrate his birth at some time.
Jesus would not have celebrated his own birthday because it wasn't a Jewish custom to do so. It
never has been, except insofar as they have picked up the idea from the Gentiles."

And I understand all of what everybody is trying to say!!! I am simply stating.. from my point of view... It is very sad that Christmas is not viewed by the majority of the world as Jesus' Birthday! And I will forever ... for as long as I am bodily able ... share my beliefs with the world!

And my beliefs are.....I don't mind sharing it one more time with you:

We need to celebrate the real Reason for the Season!!!! To Celebreat the BIRTH OF CHRIST!!! And to spend time with Family and Loved Ones!!!!

.. I guess you could say I am being a smart a-- now!

who cares about the dutch...

This thread is rapidly descending into something that's going to seriously offend somebody sooner or later, and it's in official danger of being locked. Nxt2Hvn, can I politely request that you don't post your religious beliefs in bright red capital letters; some people might consider, however erroneously, that you are shouting at them.

As for Bangali, this forum has members of many different nationalities and religions and your crass statement is neither appreciated nor tolerated.

I was expecting a somewhat more robust response.

Although I realilize that some 60% of the world does not believe in Christianity, I still think that it is extremely sad that we who have do not even remember the easiest and most important parts. We need to remember if merely because our heritige is part of who we are. This goes for anyone, and any religion, and any nationality. Do not forget from where you have come!

Perhaps it's the peroxide seeping in again but I fail to see what relevance being Dutch has. I mean why didn't they just survey 300 turnips about why we celebrate Christmas.

that would be the 33% of the poplulation that wasn't born here (immigrants )

What have you guys done to my thread ?

The true bueaty of the holiday we celibrate at this time of year is in the fact that we all share in traditions world wide at a similar time. Traditions are very important to our developement as societies . If they wern't we wouldn't have threads like this one getting everyone all hot and bothered. It's a holiday that is symbolic in meaning to every religion ,except maybe for them pesky agnostics who will probably just lol around enjoying not grading papers for a day

As for the dutch , I like them too . I'd even say I cared , what would we do with out those bueatiful tulips , coffee shops , porn museums and wooden shoes..?

I'm not religious, never have been and reckon I never will be, but I'm happy.

I had to reply to pappa's rant in the earlier post.I'm not sure the Jewish Celebration you speak of is the same one as I saw in a documentary that followed a young Jewish couple through childbirth.They acted exactly the same as we do at Xmas, they stuffed their bellies with food, bought more gifts than I have ever seen and danced the night away.

For me Xmas is not about the birth of christ, how could it be.I have grown in to a tradition that has been with us since the year nod and will remain long after my old butt has passed on.For me xmas is fun, including the presents and drink and great food.If that's not to peoples liking......unlucky.I can't celebrate something I have no faith in, sorry if that offends but remember I have total respect for those of you who do believe, I simply choose not to.

Every year I hear and read the moans and groans and constant whinings of people who criticise what Xmas has become....Not everyone believes in the birth of Christ, so what exactly should we do.

I know.....partyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...and at the same time show those of you with deep seated beliefs the respect you deserve and of course, vice-versa.