Robert T. Handy schrieb:
> Verlag Dr. C. Mueller-Straten wrote:
> >
> > Robert T. Handy wrote:
> > > Pardon me.  In what way is a tree symbolic of the birth of Christ?
> >
> > Dear Robert, dear list-ners,
> > >Sorry, you did misunderstand, what I said. Not a tree is a symbol of
>  Christ,
> > but the real (i.e. living tree) with lit candles (real or not) on it is
>  symbolic
> > of Christ.
>
>
> This lengthy discussion has given rise to an internal examination by
> staff of how we can broaden our "holiday" gallery decorating tradition
> to include information on origins of holiday symbols and beliefs.  Some
> locals think I will get in trouble including a focus on the Solstice but
> I think we are going to do it anyway.  Even a Jewish friend cautioned me
> about including information on Hannukah (sp).  She felt the local
> Christians would be overly critical; even demand my job.

Come on, dear Bob, this can`t be true. Christianity has included so many rites
and symbols of former religions (including, of course, all mediterranian ones as
well as Jewish ones), that you should contact an Historian specialised in
Religions immediately in order to make you fit for things to come. If you have
ever visited Europe, than you will understand, that Christendom can not beed
understood at all without the underlying older cultures...
> --
Best regard

Dr. Christian Mueller-Straten

> Bob Handy, Director
> Brazoria County Historical Museum
> 100 East Cedar
> Angleton, Texas 77515
> (409) 864-1208
> (409) 864-1217 (Fax)
> http://www.bchm.org

Verlag Dr. C. Mueller-Straten, Kunzweg 23, D-81243 Muenchen,
Tel/Fax: 089-839 690 43, http://WebMuseen.de/VERLAGCMS
MAGAZINES AND BOOKS IN MUSEOLOGY (GERMAN/ENGLISH)+ GERMAN THESAURI