LETTER TO THE GAZETTE---ABOUT THAT SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

THE FOLLOWING LETTER APPEARS IN THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE AND IS RE-PRINTED HERE WITH THE AUTHOR'S PERMISSION.

To the Editor:

I recently read two letters in the Gazette from residents who are concerned about the display of “evergreen wreaths, red ribbons, strings of lights” by our Village government. I am writing to assuage their concerns, over what they perceive to be a lack of separation of church and state.

I have searched the Christian Holy Bible, and I cannot find a decorated evergreen, red and green ribbons, strings of lights, or Santa Claus mentioned in connection with the birth of Christ.

An internet search shows the origin of the “Christmas tree and wreath” to be sometime in the 16th century. Christians existed long before “Christmas wreaths and Christmas trees”. Wreaths have long been used in various cultures. According to www.Time.com, A wreath “was a prominent emblem of victory and power in ancient Greece and Rome.”

Some Christians do not celebrate December 25th and wreaths, trees, or lights are not symbols that are in any way related to their faith celebrations. I have known many such Christians, and non-Christians, to include Jews, Muslims, and Atheists who display a tree, lights, and a wreath in their home and some even welcome a visit from Santa into their home. They are participating in our greater culture and not in a religious observance.

While I understand the concern of some that a wreath or evergreen tree could be misunderstood to be a Christian symbol, I hope this letter sheds light on the broader cultural phenomenon of Christmas trees, lights, and wreaths. Hopefully, people will feel better with the knowledge that such objects are not Christian religious symbols.

For further information about the Supreme Court rulings on the public display of Christian specific seasonal symbols such as a nativity scene or non-religious items such as evergreen trees or wreaths, please see the Freedom From Religion Foundation at ffrf.org, state/church FAQ Religious Holiday Displays on Public Property.

Croton is well within the bounds of the letter and the spirit of the Constitution, and I sincerely hope the Village continues to display these cherished decorations that bring such joy to so many. We all need the beauty of lights during the darkest days of the year. We all can find happiness in the greenery of a wreath or cheerfully decorated tree during the long winter when most trees have lost their leaves. We all need peace, joy, and love for our neighbors not only in December, but throughout the year.

I wish all a happy and healthy new year.

Sincerely,  Carolyn Whiting