Holiday Protocol Question

[Karen]

Here's one I was pondering. Memorial Day is a perfect example. It is traditionally a day of remembrance, a rather somber day originally for decorating the graves of soldiers fallen in war. We still decorate the graves of loved ones, as part of Memorial Day traditions.

So it feels weird to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day - as it's a day with sad origins. But many folks now seem to regard it as simply a picnic stay, and the start of "summer" ... I have taken to saying "have a good Memorial Day," hoping that covers both sides of it for people. What do you say?

There are plenty of holidays that I am fine with wishing a happy or merry day for folks. Others, it seems awkward. And for the Jewish holidays on my calendar, I know "Happy" is fine for Hannukah, but what about Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Passover - is "happy" appropriate then? Would not want to be glib if it is a solemn day!

[pomtzu]

Re: Memorial Day ~ I simply say "have a nice holiday".

It is both solemn and a celebration too. Yesterday my son and DIL rode the Harley down to D.C. to the "Rolling Thunder" tribute, along with about 60 other bikes and riders. They didn't ride in the actual parade - just wanted to see it - thousand of bikes along a designated route - taking hours for them to all get thru the route - and everyone of the bikes flying the flag. They took some awesome pictures - I was impressed with the whole thing.

[Freedom]

Somebody - a non-Christian - wished me a "Happy Good Friday" this past one, while we were at the YMCA.

[Lady's Human]

Funny you should post this, as I just sent you a PM with a kvetch about Holiday ummm....protocol.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's Memorial Day.

Veteran's Day is in November, thank me then, but still, please leave the "happy" out of it. Were it a Happy day, we wouldn't need soldiers. Armed Forces day is earlier in May. Honor those who currently serve then.

Memorial day? Remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, PJ, Segun, and others.

I know dead guys don't buy cars, so you can't market to them, but just for once, get it right, please.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

When I was growing up, we always called it Decoration Day. It was a time for us to put flowers on the gaves of family and friends passed on. It wasn't as big of a picnic party time like it is today. At least for my family. We did enjoy remembering the ones gone and telling stories we all remembered. It was bitter sweet and still is. We also remembered how lucky we are.

Now I just say, Have a nice Memorial Day or a nice holiday!

[carole]

well we don't have a memorial day in NZ, but we have ANZAC day which is much the same,for the war veterans, and no would never consider wishing someone a happy anzac day, not appropriate,but that is just my opinion.

[Grace]

When I was growing up, we always called it Decoration Day. It was a time for us to put flowers on the gaves of family and friends passed on. It wasn't as big of a picnic party time like it is today. At least for my family. We did enjoy remembering the ones gone and telling stories we all remembered. It was bitter sweet and still is. We also remembered how lucky we are.

Now I just say, Have a nice Memorial Day or a nice holiday!

I grew up in Rhode Island, and we also called it Decoration Day. It was always on the actual day - not some convenient Monday to make a 3-day weekend.

[Edwina's Secretary]

There are plenty of holidays that I am fine with wishing a happy or merry day for folks. Others, it seems awkward. And for the Jewish holidays on my calendar, I know "Happy" is fine for Hannukah, but what about Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Passover - is "happy" appropriate then? Would not want to be glib if it is a solemn day!

Please do not wish anyone a "happy" Yom Kippur. It is a very solemn holiday. It is the day of atonement in which you contemplate your "sins" of the last year and ask for forgiveness. it is also a day of remembering relatives who have died.

Rosh Hashana is the new year so a "happy" would be appropriate. Or L'shana tova!

[Karen]

Please do not wish anyone a "happy" Yom Kippur. It is a very solemn holiday. It is the day of atonement in which you contemplate your "sins" of the last year and ask for forgiveness. it is also a day of remembering relatives who have died.

Rosh Hashana is the new year so a "happy" would be appropriate. Or L'shana tova!

So what would one say, to acknowledge the holiday appropriately? Have a blessed Yom Kippur? Or what? There's a large percentage of Jewish people in Newton and Brookline in particular, so it would be good to know what the right thing to say is, should the occasion arise.

[Cataholic]

This all reminds me of the "have a nice day" concept. Maybe someone just died, maybe I am dying, whatever. Why can't people just have well intended meaning behind these expressions (usually of gratitude), and not have it become overly PC? This means, of course, you must know the holiday and its meaning before you say anything.

Maybe, it is better not to say a single thing if you are not sure of the event?

[sparks19]

I agree with the whole "why can't we just take it as it was intended". People are wishing you well. WHY does that make people angry? So what if they use the wrong word. As long as they aren't cursing you... Smile.

I just say "have a great weekend" or "enjoy the long weekend"

[Catty1]

http://judaism.about.com/od/holidays...-Greetings.htm

Yom Kippur Greetings

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement and is considered the holiest and most solemn day on the Jewish calendar. Because Yom Kippur is a fast day, it is appropriate to wish your Jewish friends an "Easy Fast" on Yom Kippur, or in Hebrew "Tzom Kal." The traditional Yom Kippur greeting is "G'mar Hatimah Tovah" or "May You Be Sealed for a Good Year (in the Book of Life)." This reflects the Jewish view of Yom Kippur as the day when God seals our fates (determined by our actions) for the upcoming year in the Books of Life or Death. The entire ten Days of Awe from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur are viewed as the beginning of the New Year, so you may also still wish your Jewish friends a "Happy New Year" or "L'Shana Tovah" on Yom Kippur.

[Edwina's Secretary]

So what would one say, to acknowledge the holiday appropriately? Have a blessed Yom Kippur? Or what? There's a large percentage of Jewish people in Newton and Brookline in particular, so it would be good to know what the right thing to say is, should the occasion arise.

I guess - why do you feel you have to say anything regarding the holiday?

(BTW...We know how "politically correct" goes - it is the other guy who is fussing about politically correctness. Happy Holidays anyone? You might want to ask Bill O'Reilly why that makes him angry. )

The root word of "holiday" is holy day. Not all holidays are happy days. If you have to say something - what's wrong with "I'll be thinking of you on your holiday"?

[Karen]

I guess - why do you feel you have to say anything regarding the holiday?

Just wanting to acknowledge that I know it is an important, and sacred day for them, even if it's just a normal day of the week for us. I'd rather be able to say something nicely and let them know I am not ignoring or disregarding their faith, as some I know get very defensive about it.

[sparks19]

Why feel the need to say anything? Because it's polite to wish people well on any day not just holidays