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An Oregon school district has asked staff to not use Santa Claus in their holiday decorations at school, saying it's a way to respect all religious beliefs.
"You may still decorate your door or office if you like, but we ask that you be respectful and sensitive to the diverse perspectives and beliefs of our community and refrain from using religious-themed decorations or images like Santa Claus," the Hillsboro School District said in a letter to staff.
I could understand not hanging up crosses or depictions of Jesus and other Biblical characters, but Santa Claus? Are sleighs, reindeer, presents, and stockings on the mantle considered religious as well? I have heard Santa Claus vaguely connected to the historical person St. Nicholas, but this specific incarnation of Santa Claus--jolly guy in red suit delivering presents--is far removed from that figure. The majority of Americans are Protestant and don't even have St. Nicholas in their canon.
Correct. Also, I am curious as to what is acceptable decor? I guess it would be winter themed?
I am assuming that Santa being Portrayed with "Christmas" is considered some sort of Christian Figure...even though he is not....
Santa Claus, St. Nick, and Other Gift-Bringers In the Western world, where Christmas is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts are attributed to a character called Santa Claus. He is also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, St. Nikolaus, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Joulupukki, Weihnachtsmann, Saint Basil and Father Frost.
Correct. Also, I am curious as to what is acceptable decor? I guess it would be winter themed?
Good question. Could they put up wintergreen tree decorations, but then if it's decorated is that considered religious? The Christmas tree has origins in the German pagan traditions, but Christians obviously aren't practicing it that way. If they dig deep enough they could find a "religious" origin for just about everything.
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