Grief for Atheists
I am super excited to share my latest project! As an atheist, I often hear well-meaning folks offer their prayers in my direction, especially when… Read More »Grief for Atheists
Betsy
Thomas Paine
Born in England, Thomas, never Tom, arrived in the United States at age 37. His first wife and child died during childbirth. He was separated… Read More »Thomas Paine
Inspiring Atheists and Secular Folks
Getting to know more famous atheists, freethinkers and secular folks.
That Sounds Delicious!
The winter holiday season is often a time of food and drink that is not on our regular menu rotation and even not available at… Read More »That Sounds Delicious!
So, How Do We Celebrate?
final post in a series about the origins of Easter fro a secular perspective.
Easter, Eostre, and Gifts from Benevolent Strangers
Receiving a basket filled with candy and colored eggs on Easter morning is a tradition many families follow. There are no ties to anything in… Read More »Easter, Eostre, and Gifts from Benevolent Strangers
What is Passover?
Let’s unpack and review Passover. Many of the words used to describe Easter traditions in Christianity are based off of the word Passover. In Hebrew,… Read More »What is Passover?
Easter Dresses, Hats, and Special Clothing
Since at least 420 CE, people bought and wore new clothes to celebrate renewal in Spring. In this instance, we are referring to the Northern… Read More »Easter Dresses, Hats, and Special Clothing
Decorating Eggs
Decorated egg shells have been found at archeological digs as far back as the Neanderthals some 60,000 years ago. The practice has been found in… Read More »Decorating Eggs
What Does Easter Celebrate?
In the Christian religions, Easter is the celebration of Jesus coming back to life (called the resurrection) three days after being crucified by the Romans… Read More »What Does Easter Celebrate?
So, How Do We Celebrate?
End-of-year celebrations throughout history have included light, decorations, gifts, feasting, frivolity, tradition, ritual, hope and celebration of prosperity, supernatural, sacrifice, scary characters and benevolent characters.… Read More »So, How Do We Celebrate?
Celebrating with Light
Light is a common strand (pardon the pun!) in holiday celebrations. In fact, the earliest gifts for New Years were candles! Both artificial light, whether… Read More »Celebrating with Light