Word: treeing
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...crux of the issue is whether the Christmas tree is a religious object. For many people, the Christmas tree is simply a cultural icon, associated with that certain time of year. But others maintain that the tree is a distinctly religious symbol and as such should be confined to the private domain. On this matter, we maintain that the Christmas tree has, over time, become a predominantly secular symbol...
Admittably, often, like beauty, religion is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes it is not enough to simply declare something secular, it must also be judged acceptable by other standards. As such, even interpreted as a religious symbol, a Christmas tree represents only the celebration of a single holiday event—it is not an overt theological statement, as is a crucifix. Like the sukkah, or temporary shelter, that was put up in the Leverett House courtyard during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot earlier in the fall, the Christmas tree should be allowed to stay. Both...
This being said, Houses should be vigilant that they do not put up the symbols of one religon but deny those of another. If Houses are neutral to religion in deciding what types of religious symbols to put up, a Jewish student who feels excluded by a tree can put up a Hanukkiah—the type of candelabra used by Jews to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah. Those from other religious traditions should be encouraged to put up symbols for their holidays...
...holding events in Houses with overtly religious themes. The singing of Handel’s Messiah in Dunster House each year is an example of such a House-sponsored religious event. The event is not mandatory, however, and students can avoid it if they choose. Thus, like the Christmas tree, such events shouldn’t be banned. Moreover, University policy permits all religious groups to hold voluntary, religious events within their confines, just as the Catholic Student Association currently does when it holds Holy Mass in House common rooms...
...found out Thursday evening at dinner that there is a Christmas tree in my dining hall. I also learned that my friends do not understand why the tree makes me uncomfortable. “It smells so nice!” one of them said. “Come on, Christmas is an American holiday! I don’t believe in God and I love Christmas,” said another. “Go eat in Leverett—I hear they have sticklers for tutors who won’t allow them to put up a simple...