Need your opinions on this occurrence at my school.

[pagandem4justice]

(I am xposting at the Education and Civil Liberties Boards for maximum comment.)

Last week, my public elementary school presented a holiday program on Tuesday evening for PTO and parents. I thought nothing of it other than the fact that my choir students (about 1/4 of my 5th grade class) would have to be there late that evening, and that I regretted not being able to see them perform. I figured it was the typical holiday fare, watered down "Jingle-Bells-ish" songs and so forth.

Yesterday, on the last day of classes, we gathered in the cafeteria during school hours for a reprise of the program...which was (to my surprise and chagrin) a Christmas Posada. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Hispanic culture, a Posada is a traditional Mexican/Spanish Christmas Nativity play, complete with Mary, Joseph, innkeepers, and the Baby Jesus. The choir sang "Do you hear what I hear?," "Away in a Manger," a couple Spanish language holiday songs -- also religious in theme -- and a modern song that sounded like a country-western type thing about "this baby boy" and "in Bethlehem."

This is, I know, totally wrong for a public school. My Jehovah Witnesses students had to withdraw froma program meant for the entire student body. I, as a Pagan, was very put off and felt almost assaulted by the presentation at which I -- as part of my job in supervising my classroom as a captive audience -- was required to attend. But, in going to AU and ACLU, I can't find any information specific to Christmas pageantry at public schools.

The music teacher and those who put on this spectacle were very careful to disguise it in a "culture" lesson, having student narrators read a historical background of the Posada tradition in Hispanic culture, but it was really nothing but a religious Christmas play.

What should I do??

Thanks in advance.

[icymist]

1. Hello pagandem4justice,

We are all going to run into different religious beliefs other than our own. The question you seem to pose is, do you sue to try and change the public appearance of your neighbors' belief through the courts or will you try and live with them? Frankly, what you're hearing through your Spanish neighbors is what is left of an old Pagan religion called Santeria, where the Catholic Saints are used in place of the Old Gods.

I don't think anyone should be forced to adhere to one single religion, but, those with knowledge, can see through the clutter. Personally, I would embrace the Spanish culture with all it's undertones of Christianity and such....
I hope this helps.

[Marrah_G]

2. Take a deep breath

And then look to the intent of the gathering. Christmas time for most is a time of peace and happiness. A joyful time. When people are singing traditional Christmas songs they are celebrating thier culture and generally the intent is to bring happiness to others.

Remember that it is the INTENT that matters in all things.

We cannot ever hope to have our faith accepted if we try to do so in an adversarial way. Better to smile and say "That was really beautiful" and then perhaps mention your own Yule traditions. It opens the lines of communication rather then drawing lines in the sand.

Blessings