First in a Series of “The Duh-Huhs of Christmas”

First in a Series of “The Duh-Huhs of Christmas”

I’ve been trying to figure out why saying “Merry Christmas” is offensive to people in retail stores. (Duh Huh, people are buying CHRISTMAS gifts!) I tried to put the shoe on the other foot…what if someone said to me “Happy Hannakuh!” What would my response be? Probably just “Happy Hannukuh!” back. Or if I was in a wordy mood, “Oh, you celebrate Hannukuh? Have a wonderful celebration!” But that isn’t quite the same as someone who isn’t religious at all. So what would be a good parallel? What if someone said to me “Happy Saturnalia”? Would I be horrified? Offended? Yell at the person? (As happened to a clerk at Nordstroms who got yelled at for saying Merry Christmas, and she has decided to keep saying it anyway… Good for her.)

Possible responses to “Happy Saturnalia!”

1. Oh, is it that time of year  already? My how time flies!”
2. It is a happy day! I can’t wait to get past the winter solstice to longer (and warmer) days!
3. That’s the third time today someone has called me a Pagan. I really need to work on that… (Oh, don’t get all upset, a true Pagan would find that funny.)

What would you do or say?

Heather J. Kirk Art by Heather J. Kirk www.heather-kirk.artistwebsites.com Literature by Heather J. Kirk http://www.photographicartistry.citymax.com/Books.html

Jesus' Mardi Gras

As you know, I've been posting photos of a DR Carnival Parade, and here I post a few more. "But Fat Tuesday is over!" you exclaim. Not so in every part of the world...

I recently received an e-mail from a friend I met in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. She is an American who took the step I considered, but did not choose. She moved there permanently - bought a house, and has a job teaching math in a high school. She was going to La Vega for the first time.

I was invited to attend by a friend who worked for an ad agency, so I would have had prime access for photography. But I had a previous commitment - a bit odd because the first month or so I was still meeting people and did not have a "full calendar". While I always regret having to say no, I am not one to be fickle and cancel on someone because something "better" came up.

I don't even remember what I did instead - though it seems I could check my calendar to find out, there is one catch. La Vega (in the interior of the island), is "the place to go" for Carnival. Every weekend for a month or more they have huge parades, festival, parties. The costumes are amazing. It is a tourist attraction, not just for foreigners but for Dominicans as well.

Each city in DR has a Carnival, and award winners participate in a final parade in Santo Domingo. Here's what interesting as I check my calendar for 2010. Ash Wednesday was on February 17th, meaning the end of the party - at least in New Orleans and just about anywhere else. But my photos were taken on March 7th, along the Malecon (the name for most coastal roadways in Latin American cities), in Santo Domingo also known as Avenida George Washington. (Go figure.)

Is celebrating Carnival after during Lent blasphemous? Irreverent? Sacrilege? Or if Jesus were alive, would he be right there with them?

I would guess the latter. And here's why:

Matthew 9:14-15 'Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.'

I'm not saying Jesus would approve of the drunkenness or licentiousness that Mardi Gras has turned into in most places around the world. (Mardi Gras = Fat Tuesday = the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, when Lent and fasting begins.) But as far as I can tell the Dominicans don't consider Carnival that way anyway. It's a time for family, festivities, celebration, healthy competition, food, and yes a few cervezas. Actually quite similar to our 4th of July as their Independence Day is February 27th.

Am I saying we should not observe Lent? Of course not - the 'bridegroom' is not currently with us, and Lent is a way to look forward to his return. Something to really celebrate! And with Christ comes Independence at the fullest level - spiritually.

Text and photography copyright Heather J. Kirk

Carnival in Dominican Republic - Unmasked and After the Fact

Child Behind the Mask: After the Carnival Parade in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the child has taken off his mask but the protective head covering remains. Photo by Heather J. Kirk. Donations will be made to a charity in the Dominican Republic for any photos in which people are identifiable.














Cool in Frills Number 1: After the Carnival Parade in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, men have removed their masks, looking cool and masculine, in spite of their frilly costumes. Photo by Heather J. Kirk.Donations will be made to a charity in the Dominican Republic for any photos in which people are identifiable.






Helados and Cerveza for Sale: After the Carnival Parade in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and inspite of an impending storm, people hang out in the road to buy popsicles and beer. Photo by Heather J. Kirk.Donations will be made to a charity in the Dominican Republic for any photos in which people are identifiable.




Photos Copyright by Heather J. Kirk

To Do in Arizona on February 25th (and feel like you are in the DR at the same time)

On February 25, 2012 – two ways to celebrate Dominican Independence Day (Their 168th!)

Choice #1 - The Seventh Annual Dominican Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona

4 pm – 2 am Ocean 7, 1420 N. Scottsdale Rd. (at McDowell Rd. – Papago Plaza)
$15 in advance http://www.facebook.com/FestivalDominicanoArizona#!/FestivalDominicanoArizona

Choice #2 - A fundraiser for after school, youth prevention programs - if you know me you know I not only beleive in this kind of thing, but I did it!

This Phoenix event includes a speaker, dinner and dancing, a high end event.

GRAN GALA DOMINICANA
http://www.bellaqdancestudio.com/

On February 25, 2012 Bella Q Dance Studio will be hosting a Dominican Gala Dinner in celebration of the Dominican Republic Independence Day, which is celebrated on February 27th of each year. The event will include great entertainment, culture, colorful costumes, traditional music and Dominican cuisine. We are extending invitations to many Dominican born baseball players and Alumni from various Mayor League Baseball teams, to honor them as we celebrate their culture.

Among our guests is National Police Sports Director, Colonel Jacobo Mateo Moquete from the Dominican Republic, who is an active member of the Latin American Police Officer’s Association. Additionally, Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic, Ms. Arelis Reynoso, a proponent for encouraging philanthropic endeavors within the community, and proud mother of the Atlanta Hawks NBA star, Al Horford will also be attending. A special invitation has also been sent out to the Consul of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. We are extending our invitation to all diverse leaders in Arizona to support this event, and together make a difference in our community.

Our guest speaker Roberto Ramirez is a former professional baseball player within various teams such as: the Giants, Seattle, Oakland, Baltimore, and is currently a successful teacher in California. One of our goals during this event is to strengthen the cultural diversity in Arizona by increasing awareness of the success Latinos and all immigrants bring to the United States. Please join as we celebrate culture, ethnicity, and diversity in Arizona.

Date: Saturday February 25, 2012
Location: The Cedars Banquet Hall, 1702 E. Northern Ave. Phoenix, AZ. 85020
Time: 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Performances: From Puerto Rico, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Tahiti and Bella Q Kids.

For more information contact:

Denise Ceballos Viner, Bella Q Dance Studio
10171 N. 19th Ave. Suite #7, Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 350-0268
http://www.bellaqdancestudio.com/

Carnival has already begun in the Dominican Republic - history and photos

Interesting info - and another first for the Dominican Republic: It is thought that República Dominicana was the first place in the Americas to observe the pre-Lenten carnival custom. The celebrations became an escape of the pressures and rigidity of religious tradition. By the late 1700's carnival had become a major celebration. Then when Dominican Republic won their independence February 27,1844 the celebration evolved to encompass the Independence Day commemorations as well. Finally, becoming what it is today. Beginning the traditional carnival with the pre-lenten celebrations, the climax concluding with the Independence Day observances. Combining both celebrations and making the entire month of February a celebration and time for enjoyment. Source and to see more... http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/traditions-carnival.htmltraditions-carnival.html

In February, Independence and Carnival are celebrated in the Dominican Republic - in honor of which I'll be adding some of my own photos throughout the month.

Photos copyright by Heather J. Kirk