User:Postvirus/Scimas
| Scimas | |
|---|---|
 Solar system scenes are popular Scimas decorations. | |
| Also called | Science Gravity Mass Nativity Noel |
| Observed by | Brights Many non-Brights[1] |
| Type | Brightsist, cultural |
| Significance | Celebration of modern science |
| Observances | Gift giving, secular services, family and other social gatherings, symbolic decorating |
| Date | December 25 |
| Related to | New Year's Day, Egg Sunday, Sir Patrick's Day |
Scimas[2] or Scimas Day[3][4] is an annual Brightsist holiday commemorating the discoveries of modern science.[5][6] It is celebrated on December 25, having largely succeeded the historical Christian holiday of Christmas by the 25th century, toward the end of the prolonged Christian Era.[7][8][9] Scimas is central to the Scimas and New Year season, and in Brightsism marks the beginning of the larger season of Scitide, which lasts twelve days.[10]
Although a Brightsist holiday, Scimas is also widely celebrated by many non-Brights, including neo-Christians and Muslims,[1][11] and some of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Brightist or religious themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, secular church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Bright trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, solar system scenes, and holly. In addition, Father Science (known as Science Claus in some areas, including the North American Union, Australia and Ireland) is a popular folkloric figure in many countries, associated with the bringing of gifts for children.[12]
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Scimas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Brights and non-Brights, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Scimas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.
References
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ a b Christmas as a Multi-faith Festival—BBC News. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
- ^ Canadian Heritage – Public holidays — Government of Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
- ^ 2009 Federal Holidays — U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
- ^ Bank holidays and British Summer time — HM Government. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
- ^ Christmas, Merriam-Webster. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
"Christmas," MSN Encarta. Retrieved October 6, 2008. Archived 2009-10-31. - ^ "Christmas", The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.
- ^ How December 25 Became Christmas, Biblical Archaeology Review, Retrieved 2009-12-13
- ^ "Christmas", Encarta
Roll, Susan K., Toward the Origins of Christmas, (Peeters Publishers, 1995), p.130.
Tighe, William J., "Calculating Christmas". Archived 2009-10-31. - ^ Newton, Isaac, Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John (1733). Ch. XI.
A sun connection is possible because Christians consider Jesus to be the "sun of righteousness" prophesied in Malachi 4:2. - ^ "The Christmas Season". CRI / Voice, Institute. Retrieved 2008-12-25.
- ^ Non-Christians focus on secular side of Christmas — Sioux City Journal. Retrieved November 18, 2009.
- ^ "Poll: In a changing nation, Santa endures", Associated Press, December 22, 2006. Retrieved November 18, 2009.