During the holidays, religious folk seem to turn especially religious, while the secular side of society turns outwardly secular.
The Chicago Center for Inquiry, in part a secular humanist organization, is sponsoring a Festivus (for the “rest-iv-us”) in Wicker Park tonight. The event, at St. Paul's Cultural Center on 2215 W. North Ave., will include the documentary “The Century of the Self,” followed by the traditional Festivus airing of grievances.
Festivus, once a fake holiday only appearing on reruns of the sitcom Seinfeld, has since developed an existence in the real world, where people follow Frank Constanza’s orders for the celebration. Click here for highlights of the Festivus story on YouTube.
This year, the traditional Festivus pole—a plain aluminum rod—made its appearance at the state capital. A note attached to it reads:
“Although Festivus is traditionally celebrated Dec. 23, thepeople of Illinois have had to begin 'Grievance Airing' early this year. Hopefully we can conclude Festivus before February."
The pole joins a nativity scene and sign by atheists also ondisplay in Springfield. Hooray for freedom of religion! Right?
(Photo from Seinfeld episode "The Strike," copyright NBC.)
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Kate Shellnutt
I’m a freelance religion reporter and blogger for the Little Things. I majored in religion and journalism as an undergrad, and I'm now completing my master's in journalism at Medill.
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