First off, I'll state that the criteria to participate in this thread is you must be a religious minority of where ever you're residing. As to what religion, or what place, that can vary. But, for the sake of this thread, I only want to hear from religious minorities.
Its the first day of Diwali. Dhanteras. I am cleaning up the house(to the best of my ability, with the kids running about). I have a few videos with Diwali stories, and Diwali music going. I'm trying to make this as festive as I can.
However, no matter how hard I try, I can't muster up the glimmer of the holiday festivities that the religious majorities in my area command. There are no Diwali decorations as we navigate the streets; there are no friends or family knocking at the door. There are no tunes going on the radio or TV. Its just us. Perhaps we'll go to the temple, but that will be in another city. Its not something that's readily available, or a place we can drop in on multiple times during the upcoming celebration.
My husband has to work. Business still has to be conducted. Things don't shut down for our festivities. My family canceled on Diwali dinner because there were other things to do, not realizing the importance of this. (No hard feelings, but I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't fall upon hearing the cancelation.)
This isn't new. I spent most about 15 years as a Pagan, and the situation was similar for that, too.
So, how do you religious minorities make festivals seem 'alive' when the rest of the world around you is going on like normal?
Its the first day of Diwali. Dhanteras. I am cleaning up the house(to the best of my ability, with the kids running about). I have a few videos with Diwali stories, and Diwali music going. I'm trying to make this as festive as I can.
However, no matter how hard I try, I can't muster up the glimmer of the holiday festivities that the religious majorities in my area command. There are no Diwali decorations as we navigate the streets; there are no friends or family knocking at the door. There are no tunes going on the radio or TV. Its just us. Perhaps we'll go to the temple, but that will be in another city. Its not something that's readily available, or a place we can drop in on multiple times during the upcoming celebration.
My husband has to work. Business still has to be conducted. Things don't shut down for our festivities. My family canceled on Diwali dinner because there were other things to do, not realizing the importance of this. (No hard feelings, but I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't fall upon hearing the cancelation.)
This isn't new. I spent most about 15 years as a Pagan, and the situation was similar for that, too.
So, how do you religious minorities make festivals seem 'alive' when the rest of the world around you is going on like normal?