I had been wondering about sundown starts for non-Christian holidays (whether that was a general rule or specific to the few traditions I know anything about) for a while. I had no idea that it applied to Christian ones some places as well. Interesting! Though I've never understood why we don't also see folks who start the day at sunrise instead of ending the day at sunset. Has to do with agriculture?
As for Christmas and Easter, well the way I look at it is this: the birth of our Saviour is important, but everybody has a birthday (and we don't even celebrate His at the right time of year); but the very core of our religion is that He rose on the third day after he was crucified; the whole message of our Faith is wrapped up in Easter weekend.
But I'm preaching to the choir at this point, huh?
I don't know whether this is my own misguided thinking or a faint recollection of what I may have read or heard somewhere, but the concept goes something like this.
A day obviously ends in the evening. A night is a time of danger, of darkness and things associated with darkness. Thus, whenever possible, it is better to extend the protection of the following sacral day over the preceding night, as well.
And possibly agricultural life has something to do with it, as well. After one has attended to the cows and done the various other chores, there's better time to get in the spirit of the weekly holy day than in the morning when one has to feed and milk the cows, Sunday or not.
The whole message of our Faith is wrapped up in Easter weekend.
Amen! Although I cannot in complete honesty say whether I share the Faith. I was raised Christian (well, Protestant) and I still subscribe to much of the doctrine, but I have suspicions of not all the spirit world being fundamentally opposed to Lord Father.
(no subject)
As for Christmas and Easter, well the way I look at it is this: the birth of our Saviour is important, but everybody has a birthday (and we don't even celebrate His at the right time of year); but the very core of our religion is that He rose on the third day after he was crucified; the whole message of our Faith is wrapped up in Easter weekend.
But I'm preaching to the choir at this point, huh?
(no subject)
A day obviously ends in the evening. A night is a time of danger, of darkness and things associated with darkness. Thus, whenever possible, it is better to extend the protection of the following sacral day over the preceding night, as well.
And possibly agricultural life has something to do with it, as well. After one has attended to the cows and done the various other chores, there's better time to get in the spirit of the weekly holy day than in the morning when one has to feed and milk the cows, Sunday or not.
Amen! Although I cannot in complete honesty say whether I share the Faith. I was raised Christian (well, Protestant) and I still subscribe to much of the doctrine, but I have suspicions of not all the spirit world being fundamentally opposed to Lord Father.