It wasn’t heresy, and there was surely no malice intended. But the announcement that two local churches were engaged in delivering what they called “drive thru ashes” last week was definitely in bad taste and demeaned the spirit of the day known as Ash Wednesday. We earlier decried the bad behavior of shoppers on Black Friday, when they pushed, shoved and generally acted uncivilized in the shopping centers as they tried to get bargains for Christmas. Those actions reflected a lack of respect for the coming Christmas celebration and called into question whether people were really making any effort to understand the spirit of the holidays. The latest attempt to trivialize the most solemn season on the Christian calendar — and made by Christians at that — leads us to ask the question: Are holidays losing their meaning? First of all, it’s not a question of abusing holidays. A holiday is a wonderful time to relax and often come together with family and friends. A holiday is a relief from the pressures of work.
It’s a time to goof off and sleep late. Second, the idea that some people or faiths do not choose to celebrate certain holidays is not the issue that’s upsetting, either. The core of the problem is that people who claim belief in and observance of certain holidays or named days completely ignore what the days are for and don’t seem to care. The case of Ash Wednesday and the “drive thru ashes” (in one case concurrently giving out doughnuts) is a prime example. Ash Wednesday is the time on the Christian Calendar that is counting down to the crucifixion of Christ and his eventual resurrection, which is a lynchpin of Christianity. The ritual mark of ashes on foreheads that some faiths, especially Catholics, engage in is symbolically made by the burned remains of last year’s palms — the leftovers from last year’s Palm Sunday. That is heavy theological business. Lent and its debut with Ash Wednesday are 40 days that suggest individuals seriously ponder the meaning of faith, refrain from lavish self-indulgences and, in some cases, engage in moderate fasting.
It is a time to consider the hope that a life lived of peace, love and caring for others leads either literally or symbolically to triumph and resurrection over evil and cruelty. Driving through the likes of the bank window, or standing around having a jolly time with doughnuts in the middle of town, doesn’t ring true as the spirit of the coming Easter season, and it’s hypocritical. There are other holidays that are under-appreciated as well. The Martin Luther King Holiday is one. It’s nice that people get together, have breakfast and perform service projects. But the very real and perhaps painful aspect of that day is the realization that Black people who were subjugated to slavery and discrimination summoned courage to protest the overtly cruel and sometimes sly ways they were treated. MLK Holiday is a time to recognize that people who were brave and protested sometimes got killed or hurt, but they pushed ahead anyway. MLK Holiday is and should be a time to study and explore bravery and protesting what is wrong, even at the risk of death.
Here’s another one: Fourth of July. The fireworks are great. The barbecues are too. But should we not be instructed by the men who traveled to Philadelphia from up the Mid-Atlantic and New England (in the heat, on horses, without rest stops along the way) to embark on a profound project: That of founding a new country? Presidents Day: It’s a great time to sleep late or maybe buy a mattress on sale. But it’s also time to study what the true qualities of leadership are, and what it means to oversee a nation whose population holds views from the far right to the far left. There are certainly more holidays that are not getting their share of respect — aren’t conveying their meaning to those who partake. This is not a plea for people to live sober lives of self-denial and suffer through their days off. But refrain from the hypocrisy of believing that stopping for a doughnut and a spot on the head is observing Ash Wednesday or that knocking over others to get a bargain at Wal-Mart is celebrating Christmas.
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Solid Outdoor Adirondack Cushion with Ties in Kiwi Kennett Adirondack Cushion in Yellow Ellie Outdoor Adirondack Cushion in KiwiBoys Florsheim Kennett Jr. Oxfords - Bone/Navy Boys Florsheim Kennett Jr. Oxfords - Bone/Navy The Boys Florsheim Kennett Jr. Bone/Navy Oxford is a classic lace up saddle shoe re-envisioned with select contrasting colorways for a young man who wants to stand apart from the crowd. The upper is made of full grain leather, while the linings are made with breathable, moisture wicking, leather Suedetec. If, for any reason, you are less than completely satisfied with your purchase, just return it to us. We will replace it, exchange it, or refund the price that was paid (excluding shipping fees). Except as noted below, merchandise purchased on this site can be shipped to the address on your packing slip (this may be different for each shipment you receive) or to any Boscov's store within 90 days of purchase with the original packing slip included in your shipment and with all merchandising tags attached.
Bring your return, along with the packing slip, to the store, where you can arrange an exchange (exchanges not available for On-line exclusive items) or return the item. If sending an item back to us as permitted by our Return Policy, we recommend returning the item via the same method used to deliver your purchase (except for items which require Boscov's Home Delivery). The return address is specified on the packing slip included with your purchase. Please complete the return portion of the packing slip. Remember to insure your package and obtain a tracking number. *Certain items are On-line exclusives and are not returnable, or cannot be returned to our stores. These items are clearly identified on product description. Certain other items have specific return policies. Patio Furniture & Grills Click here to view our complete Return Policy. Boys Florsheim Kennett Jr. Oxfords - Blue Chalk Boys Florsheim Kennett Jr. Oxfords - Grey Multi Boys Florsheim Kennett Jr. Oxfords - Sand