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Recognition of holidays that are suitable for atheists.

I have recently had cause to ponder the lack of established atheist holidays (etymology of the word holiday notwithstanding). I feel that there must be a number of days that are acceptable cause for celebration for atheists and theists alike. While I admit that some theists would have trouble with celebrating Darwin Day I think that something like Pi day which celebrates a universal constant would be a good compromise.
I would love to hear suggestions as to what can be done to legitimise and promote atheist holidays. I also believe it would be best if this thread was used for commentary of the promotion of atheist celebrations rather than the bitter rants about Christmas I have encountered elsewhere in the forums.

Tags: holidays

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Permalink Reply by Bruce Welnack on May 6, 2010 at 1:58pm

Believe me I took the genocidal aspect into consideration. I wasn't aware of the Winthrop Proclamation but it's heinous and along with slavery such policies are generally thought of as uniquely an American historical phenomenon. Yet such misdeeds, usually justified as having (insert god of choice)'s blessing, were and continue to be observed in every culture and cultural migration throughout human history. Not to diminish that horrible flaw in our character, but what's done is done. To truly atone, should all whites in North America repatriate to Europe?

To me modern Thanksgiving has nothing to do with the pilgrims and native peoples, although it continues to have the cosmetic trappings of that event. By pagan tradition, I refer to the practice of celebrating the end of harvest and the gifts provided by mother earth that is common to pre- and non-Christian societies, not the Wampanoag people in particular, even if it may apply. I use the term pagan non-pejoratively. Actually, to me at least, it's a complimentary term.

Thanks for your response. I do see your point.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Stott on May 6, 2010 at 2:21pm

they don't seem to teach you that in grade school.

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Permalink Reply by feralboy12 on May 1, 2010 at 1:04pm

I have my own personal set of holidays based on important and/or memorable events in my life. For example, May 8 is Fish Day, based on something that happened in 1972 (I won't bore you with the details). Of course, these are solo celebrations, but they actually mean something to me and allow me to reminisce while measuring my progress in life, such as it is.
Obviously, if you like people, this approach probably won't suit you, but that's not a problem for me. The only people I like are cats.

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Permalink Reply by Little Name Atheist on May 6, 2010 at 9:20am

The older I get, the more I prefer the company of the resident felines over most people.

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Permalink Reply by Lorryslorrys on May 6, 2010 at 10:36am

Sorry, what's wrong with Christmas? Maybe the names a bit scu-wif, but the rest is good traditional merriment.

And pi days a bit too insular as well. It only really means anything to euclidean-space lovers.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Stott on May 6, 2010 at 2:18pm

We could just do what the early christians did, and take over the existing holidays and rename them to suit our own ends.

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Permalink Reply by Callie Bookman on May 6, 2010 at 2:53pm

I celebrate Easter and Christmas in a very secular way. I haven't even had a tree in a long time. I do enjoy me some carols though, even though most are religious in content. I also celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving. My anniversary is on the summer solstice, so I celebrate that too! Also birthdays. Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's day for the partying. Valentine's day, mildly, with just a fancy dinner and a bottle of expensive wine instead of the usual cheap stuff.

Plus, look at all the random holidays there are! May 4th is Star Wars day. September 19th is talk like a pirate day. December 5th is ninja day. Always fun to celebrate those little niche things that nobody really talks about.

And as far as the extra days off goes, just look at it this way - 99% of us get Christmas and Easter off. If you want to look at it as solstice/equinox celebrations, then go for it! But those are the only special days Christians get off. Them Jews are just greedy with their extra holidays. :P

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Permalink Reply by James H on May 7, 2010 at 3:14am

I wouldn't mind another day off from work, whether it be for Easter, Pi Day or the end of Ramadan. A day off is a day off! =)

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Permalink Reply by nick altman on May 8, 2010 at 12:19pm

The great thing about holidays is, they come from ancient times, and have nothing to do with the fluctuating religious connotations we attribute them. I happen to enjoy history, culture, mythology, and quite love the idea of a festival of lights in the darkest days of winter. I love Christmas for the nostalgia and tradition, as even deep down the religious do. They however repeat to themselves motives otherwise true for why they actually are celebrating. But they're kidding themselves! Merry Christmas!

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Permalink Reply by Dale M. on May 14, 2010 at 4:02pm

I don't have a problem with Xmas. The Santa songs pwn the Jesus songs.

Is there any sort of movement to co-opt Festivus as an Atheist holiday?

FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US!!!!!!