Am i the only one who has witnessed this irony?

[somwhere in the shadows]

Let it first be said that by bringing this up, I don't intend to discriminate against or offend anyone, and if, despite my efforts, i end up doing so, than I sincerely apologize in advance.

Recently, an Atheist sign was posted next to Christian decorations at the capitol here in washington.

Although you can't read the whole message here, i'm sure it can be found on line. It seems to imply that Christmas, a religious holiday, is for those with hard hearts and enslaved minds. If this is so, then why does it use crossed candy canes and holly sprigs, both Christmas oriented motifs? Does it make sense to use decorations related to the very holiday they are commenting against?

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with them expressing themselves. They have a right, just as anyone else does, to express there opinions. Tell me your opinion. Have any of you seen or expierienced anything so ironic? and what do you think of think of what I've pointed out? Remember to reply civilly, and don't bash anyone personally about their views. I'm sorry if anyone was offended by the image.

[somwhere in the shadows]

i second your opinion, atticus.

[QuantumTuba]

It's certainly not implying anything against the celebration of Christmas, at least as I understand it. Rather, it's pointing out that religion has tendencies which harden hearts and enslave minds, and many of the celebratory aspects of Christmas are not inventions of Christianity, but rather a mixture of plagiarisms from Pagan solstice celebrations and modern consumerism.

[Hel]

Indeed if it were up to the Protestants there'd be none of this gift giving malarky!

[somwhere in the shadows]

Those two observations seem totally incongruent.

[QuantumTuba]

How so? One can easily celebrate Christmas as it is celebrated in the US without depending on any supernatural nonsense, and engaging in Christmas-esque celebrations while pointing out the foolish aspects of religion communicates this point.

[Übereil]

Unintentionally Sweden has (unintentionally, I think) managed to dodge this whole "...but it's a Christian holiday!" deal by calling it by it's original name, Yule. Another great thing about Swedish Christmass is that Coca Cola hates us because we don't drink Coke at Christmass, we drink Julmust.

Basicly, what's important about Yule in Sweden isn't the birth of Christ, it's the tree, the food, the decorations, the food, the candy, the food, the traditional programs (Kalle Ankas Jul (the Disney Christmas show) and Karl Bertil Jonssons Jul (if I find the energy/time/motivation I'll translate that one. Exelent story)are shows you can't miss) the food and the candy. Some dance around the tree and sing Christmas songs. Our family don't have enough space for that. Some pepole go to church, but not doing so isn't a big deal at all. Faith is a private matter in Sweden and it doesn't matter if you're Christian, muslim, atheist or satanist as long as you don't smear it into other pepole's face.

And if anyone can figure out who Kalle Anka is I'll give you an imaginary gingerbread biscuit (it's those and saffron bread that are the traditional pastries consumed).

[Ben J Kitz]

Anka is Swedish for Duck, so I can take a wild guess.

No idea about Kalle though, Swedish-English dictionary is giving variations on cold. Is it a Swedish name?

[Übereil]

Yeah. Now think of a Disney character who is a duck. ;)

[somwhere in the shadows]

the swedish people seem to be doing things right.

[Übereil]

We celebrate on Christmas EVE, not Christmas Day.

We got everything exept that right. ;(

[TEH]

Man, I want to be Swedish.

[Alan]

I don't think your using ironic correctly.