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187 How well
does the average American know of these holidays or terms such as Mardi Gras,
Lent, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday), Good
Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday? Part II Wrote: 060219, Posted:
060404
For Part
I, see Letter 186
Japanese
Z’s Q:
“Hi Guys,
As usual, I've another Q on American culture. As you know, late this month,
we'll have Mardi Gras, followed by Lent, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Holy
Thursday (or Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.
How well does the average American know these holidays or terms? I guess
everybody knows of Good Friday and Easter. Please let me know your views when
you get a chance. Thx. ” Z 060215
American
O’s View:
”I'll assign
a number from 1-10 for each, where 1 is unknown and 10 means everyone knows or
should know something about it. These are my impressions.
Mardi Gras -- 9
I think most have heard of this. I think many know that it is sometimes wild
partying (maybe for the less devout!) before Lent. Not always, though. Some
just enjoy the parades and festivities.
Lent -- 8
I think most have heard of this one, too. Lent is the period before Easter, and
people commonly give up something they enjoy during Lent. I knew someone who
gave up chocolate chip cookies over Lent, and it was a big sacrifice for him, as
he usually had one after every lunch meal. I don't know whether it is common to
give up one food item, or to fast in general.
I don't even know how long Lent lasts. Is it 2 weeks? One month? I am not a
good source of Lent information, but I am an example of a poorly-informed
American! I think Catholics observe this much more than Protestants.
Ash Wednesday -- 5
Again, I think many people associate this with Lent/Easter and having an ash
mark on the forehead, but I think most Protestants don't know the significance
(like me).
Palm Sunday -- 6
I think most have heard of this and have some idea what it is about.
Holy Thursday -- 3
I have heard of it but don't remember what it is about. Maybe Catholics observe
this more? I don't know how well-known this is, but I hadn't heard of it until
recently.
Good Friday -- 7
I think most have heard of this and have some idea what it is about, even more
than Palm Sunday.
Holy Saturday -- 3
I think Catholics must observe this more. I don't know if I have ever heard of
it, except perhaps you have mentioned it in the past. It must mark the time
between the Crucifixion (Good Friday) and Resurrection (Easter). That is my
guess.
Easter Sunday -- 10
I think the religious and secular aspects of this holiday are well known. The
Easter Bunny and candy traditions probably sprang up for families with different
religious beliefs, but that is just a guess.” O 060219
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