Pentacle

[Pat]

I thought it was a star of david at first. Let Freedom Ring

[Rachelyn from Buffalo]

oh and p.s.
i am saddened by the person who backed over the peaceful symbol of someone elses faith. It is a disgrace, what would God think of him/her doing hurtful things to his/her neighbor? shouldn't he/she love his/her neighbor? That is what i was always tought while in church and at home, and in the wiccan faith...I will continue to do so. It is just very disapointing event and his/her judgement day will come whatever his/her faith.
I am sorry April...

[Lori]

If you are going to mix "church and state" on gov't property then ALLLLLLL faiths and religions need representation, otherwise don't bother. Christians are the only taxpayers in Olean?????
How is this representing ALLLLL of your citizens???As far as the hate crime last night, some ignoramous is going to find himself in jail for a long time.

[Belladonna]

*Pastor.. my mistake.. still attempting to wake up LOL!

[Debbie]

Sorry...I should have read previous posts....most of my own questions were answered there. Anyway....Merry Christmas and a Happy and Joyful New year to all!!

[Susan]

Debbie wrote:

My question is this....does the Wiccan religion celebrate anything RIGHT NOW?? Christians and the Jewish do, therefore their symbols are recognized...and seem to peacefully co-exist. But if they Wiccan religion has no celebration at this time, why are they trying to cause problems? I'm sure no one will insist they put up a Nativity scene or Menorah at the time of their celebration! Also, I certainly hope that if they are employed, that the Wiccans insist they be working on Christmas...please let the Christians enjoy the day off with their families!

YULE/WINTER SOLSTICE

December 21, 2003 (variable)

The Winter Solstice, sometimes referred to as Yule, celebrates the rebirth of the sun to the earth, and the solstice itself is the longest (hence, darkest) night of the year. Throughout the world, from Scotland to Iran to the Americas, ancient and modern peoples have called forth the sun on the longest night of the year.

You may have noticed that the solstice falls near the Christian holiday of Christmas, and that the word Yule is usually associated with that same holiday. Upon closer inspection, you will find many remnants of the pagan holiday within the current Christian celebrations. For example, the Christmas tree that is erected in many homes is a nod to the original pagan celebration of creating a Yule tree. The sturdy, evergreen tree represents life surviving in the darkest time of the year. The Yule tree was decorated with natural ornaments such as berries, rosebuds, and cinnamon sticks. Candles adorned the tree, representing the light of the sun, soon to be reborn. In many traditions, a Yule log is burned throughout the solstice night to provide a light in the darkest night, symbolizing hope and a belief that the sun will return.

Yule is a time of celebration and rebirth, as the light of the God once again is reborn and shines within our lives. The winter solstice is also the time when the Goddess, in her aspect as Crone, is reborn as the Maiden. Rites to celebrate the return of the sun and the respective rebirths of the God and Goddess are appropriate, as are rituals to guide your spiritual path and honor the lessons learned within the dark time.

[marie]

Nicole wrote:

You sick wickens! Do you reallly want to spend eternity in hell?

If you took the time to learn some tolerance about other's and their religions, you would have realized that the Wiccan community does not believe in hell. So, I do not think we will be spending anytime there.

[Boris]

Only a society without Wisdom will insist on its intelligence.

[mother of three]

Why? What is the pentacle hurting? No one messed with the nativity since it's been up. Isn't it funny that "church going" people are supposed to love everyone and not judge, yet they run over a display of someone elses faith? Oh wait, they can do whatever they want because they can go to church next sunday and be "forgiven". How sad.

[Marie]

I lived in Olean 15 years ago when the Powers that be in the city were asked if a manger Scene could be placed in Lincoln park for the Christmas Season. They were told no they could not and there was at that time a lot of hot and heavey letters to the editor for weeks. This was before everyone had computers and there were bloggs. It saddens me to listen to all the fighting going on over what has happened now. Would you all not be better served if Linclon Park was open to all religions for the Christmas Season to set up displays if hey wanted to. What better time for you all to teach your children that there are differences and to show respect and truly show them and the rest of the country what love, Joy and peace is really all about. Right now all that any of you are showing is hatred and disrespect for each other and the country is watching. Is this really what Olean wants to be protrayed as. I am a Christian and somehow the hatred and disrespect like what I see on these pages is not very pleaseing to God Like it or not God loves everyone.

[red]

NOT ENOUGH ROOM IN OLEAN TO SPREAD THINGS OUT A LITTLE? GIVE ME A BREAK.......JUST MORE CRAP TO START ABOUT RELIGION?

[Amy]

The "community leaders" who conspired with Mayor Carucci to sneak the nativity display onto city property in the dark of night should be ashamed of themselves for bringing this cloud of negativity over our small municipality. In fact they should think long and hard about their true motives for inviting such controversy. How do you face the community you are supposed to serve and look them in the eyes? Shame on you. Shame on all of you who have turned a town which once resembled "Bedford Falls" into an ugly, divided community. Not unlike the Olean school board which one of the crèche creators serves on and their proposed capital project. Created for the “greater good” or to serve your own interests? The same principles apply.

[KelliKat]

Debbie,

Yes they do. They celebrate the Winter Solstice. Celebrations of the Solstice actually predate any celebration of Jesus' birth, by centuries.

[MIKMAKMOM]

mother of three wrote:

Why? What is the pentacle hurting? No one messed with the nativity since it's been up. Isn't it funny that "church going" people are supposed to love everyone and not judge, yet they run over a display of someone elses faith? Oh wait, they can do whatever they want because they can go to church next sunday and be "forgiven". How sad.

So true...if we are going to have a free country...then let it be free for everyone.

[tired- ny]

I am posting this and then I am done, I find it extremely sad that everyone is fighting so hard about religion, of course it is what starts most wars! My husband is in Iraq for the second time, my cousin has been 3 times, and many other family members and friend serve in the military all who can't be here to enjoy Christmas with their families,all who get to watch war or be afraid every day. I have surgery today my husband can't be here for that but I don't hate people for it, I am greatful for this man and all the men and women in the service! At this point it isn't a matter of what religious symbol is up or whose is right and whose is wrong it is a matter of people having so much anger and sometimes ignorance on all sides! Everyone should get truly educated before making statements that are hurtful to both sides (sad to say sides when we are all Americans) and then we wonder why other countries (and I know, I have traveled) look at us with such contempt, come on guys in the end we are all people, New Yorkers, and Americans!

[Colleen]

I cannot believe people are ignorate enough to vandal the pennacle. I am sure this person is a church going Christian and I ask myself what would God say about your actions. The nativity scence has not been touched so why they Pennacle? What is a Minorah went up would someone vandalize that as well?

[Annie]

It's the Holiday Season let's all put our differences aside & let's celebrate them in the way we feel is right for us. No one should put their beliefs on someone else.
When it comes to cities & towns & to be matter of fact the Country there should equal opportunity for all beliefs to show off their symbols of the season in a neutral place. Everyone should have respect of each others belief's & not disface them.

[Tina from Olean NY]

We drove by the pentacle last night. It gives you an eerie feeling. Something is terribly wrong in this world, and it has touched our small community. Certainly putting our small town on the map.

[Indeed]

So i see you fanatical fundalmentalist Christain COWARDS kicked over the Pentacle last night, so maybe some Wiccans should destroy you "Nativity Scene" I hope they do, not only kick it down but burn it to cinders...

[Indeed]

Nicole wrote:

You sick wickens! Do you reallly want to spend eternity in hell?

Christanity is the only Valid faith according to you i assume...do thwe world a favor and go be with your god