Suggestion for New Author Icon... Star of David

[guyver01]

Zuni... mods... i'm not one to preach... but with the multiple christmas icons (all the trees grinches and christmas imagery for a total of NINE) there is not one for Hanukkah or any other jewish holiday... so ... maybe a star of david?

thanks!


FYI.. here's a History of the Icon

 

[aphex]

I second that nomination. Are we now in a period of debate?

 

[b0mbrman]

Wow. I had no idea there were so many Christmas icons...I wouldn't mind seeing it

 

[bigrash]

well, then shouldn't we get a muslim icon too if the jewish people get one? while we're at it, can we have a hinduism avatar too since there's a lot of people here from india

 

[Valhalla1]

I'm sure the many atheist forum members would like to get a non-denominational "Happy Dec. 25th" icon.

 

[aphex]

Well if they want one, let them ask for it.. (i.e. a muslim icon) Im not saying they shouldnt have one either... I do agree that it would be nice to have a star of david..

 

[Scootin159]

I think it would be nice if they could up the icon count to something like 200-300. This shouldn't add TOO much load to the servers & would be somewhat useful. Maybe even allow subscribers to use their own custom icon (would be tough to regulate though), or allow them access to the expanded collection.

 

[peemo]

Yes please, both Star of David and Om.

 

[BigSmooth]

It seems to me that all of our Christmas icons have to do with the secular celebration of the holiday, not Christianity. There is no cross, wise men, or baby Jesus icon.

The Star of David is a little more religion-specific. Just wanted to point that out.

 

[Scootin159]

<< It seems to me that all of our Christmas icons have to do with the secular celebration of the holiday, not Christianity. There is no cross, wise men, or baby Jesus icon.

The Star of David is a little more religion-specific. Just wanted to point that out. >>



Good point, if you add one you have to add the other...which then means adding about 30 more just to add one.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

I don't see many Christmas icons (besides the fact that the icons have Christmas in the name, easily remedied).

Christmas Candycane (Candycane)
Christmas Elf (Elf)
Christmas Frosty (Snowman)
Christmas Grinch 1 (Grinch 1)
Christmas Grinch 2 (Grinch 2)
Christmas Ornament (Ornament, Cherry Bomb, Bomb)
Christmas Santa (Santa)
Christmas Tree 1 (Christmas Tree)
Christmas Tree 2 (Tree)

I'm fine with the icons how they are and wouldn't be surprised if both the ribbons and perhaps the US Flag icons were removed once the "war on terror" is concluded.

Would have to agree that all of the christmas icons do deal with the secular celebration and not the religious aspect(s). I would be worried about people using the Star of David icon to accent anti-semitic statements. Seems like inviting flamebait, to me.

 

[aphex]

I do see your point about the secular and religious aspects...

What about a menorah then? or even a hanukkah dredel?

 

[b0mbrman]

<< It seems to me that all of our Christmas icons have to do with the secular celebration of the holiday, not Christianity. There is no cross, wise men, or baby Jesus icon.

The Star of David is a little more religion-specific. Just wanted to point that out. >>



Very good point

 

[gopunk]

i think a better one would be that thing with the candles in it. since the christmas tree... well... yea. i dunno, i'm just afraid i'll start seeing a bunch of crosses and stars, and crescent moons, i dunno, i'd just get annoyed

 

[aphex]

<< i think a better one would be that thing with the candles in it. <<

a menorah

 

[Wallydraigle]

Not trying to stir the pot but there is one icon that looks an awful lot like a virgin Mary manifestation.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

It used to be called thevirgin

 

[Scootin159]

<< i think a better one would be that thing with the candles in it. since the christmas tree... well... yea. i dunno, i'm just afraid i'll start seeing a bunch of crosses and stars, and crescent moons, i dunno, i'd just get annoyed >>



But the Christmas tree isn't a Christian symbol (although the menorah is....).

 

[SackOfAllTrades]

doesn't Santa = Saint Nick?

 

[BigSmooth]

<< doesn't Santa = Saint Nick? >>


Yes and no, according to that site (and others), plus the modern version of Santa has little in common with the original St. Nicholas.

 

[iamwiz82]

i think we need some kwanzaa icons too

 

[b0mbrman]

<< i think we need some kwanzaa icons too >>



They better be kwazy though...I'd hate to see kwanzaa icons that weren't at least a little kwazy

 

[aphex]

<< But the Christmas tree isn't a Christian symbol (although the menorah is....). <<

Just like to share some info i found:

What is Christmas?
Christmas is the Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, who Christians believe is the Son of God.

How is Christmas celebrated?
Christmas is celebrated in the home with an evergreen tree decorated with small ornaments and electric lights. People like to decorate the outsides of their homes with wreaths and lights, and sometimes with whole Nativity scenes on their front lawns! Many people have miniature creche (manger) sets inside, too.

Sounds like a symbol for christians to me.

 

[BigSmooth]

<< Sounds like a symbol for christians to me. >>


Christians have "adopted" the practice of decorating trees, but...

The decorated Christmas tree can be traced back to the ancient Romans who during their winter festival decorated trees with small pieces of metal during Saturnalia, a winter festival in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees/traditions.html

Today the Tree is a central feature of the Xmas celebrations but its origins are ancient and pre-date Christianity.
Pagans used trees as part of their religious ceremonies The Druids decorated Oak trees with fruit and candles in honour of their Gods of the Harvest. During the Roman festival of Saturnalia, trees were decorated with gifts and candles. The Vikings regarded evergreen coniferous trees as symbols that the darkness of Winter would end and that Spring would return.
http://www.nonymous.freeserve.co.uk/aboutxmas/tree.html

And not only that, but...
According to a recent United Jewish Appeal (UJA) survey and a separate Council of Jewish Federations (CJF) study, nearly twenty percent of American Jewish-only households purchased a Christmas tree in 1990 and 1991.
http://hcs.harvard.edu/~dnd/pages/archives/1999/february/shalom.html
The number for mixed households is up around 60%.

If that doesn't indicate the degree to which the tree has been secularized, I don't know what does.

 

[Scootin159]

Let me refine my statements:

The christmas tree isn't a biblical element. It was added to the christmas tradition about the same time it was secularized (if that's a word). Right along with Santa Claus & raindeer. I guess it now could be considered a christmas element in that most churches do decide to decorate with christmas trees, and have therefore assumed it as a christian symbol.

The candy cane however has a direct relationship with st. Nick. I forget the details of the story, but I do know that it is an element of Christian heritage.

The menorah is as much as christian symbol as it is jewish symbol if I have my history correct. Christians don't feel it is as important to them as other holidays, and therefore tend not to celebrate the event (same as passover), yet it is still a christian event. The menorah has the most religious backing as any other symbol suggested here.

Kwanza is not a religious event, and therefore could freely be represented by an icon. I personally don't feel the event has enough importance to be represented by an icon, but it also doesn't apply to me. I personally just feel it is a holiday made up as an alternative to christmas, but that's just my personal feelings.