* 2015…
A giant Christmas tree, nativity scene and menorah have been fixtures in the rotunda at holiday time for years. More recently, the Statehouse has become host to a few less conventional displays.
A pole commemorating the holiday Festivus, invented by the character Frank Costanza in a 1997 episode of “Seinfeld,” now is part of the display. Considering that the main activity of Festivus is the “airing of grievances,” perhaps it’s appropriate that this made-for-TV holiday is recognized in the seat of Illinois government. If you’re not familiar with the Festivus tradition, here’s all you need to know:
Also among the decorations is a placard from the Freedom From Religion Society. It’s not exactly in keeping with the spirit of the season. It “celebrates” the winter solstice by informing onlookers that, “Religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
And why are all these displays allowed? Another placard explains that the First Amendment requires the state to allow “temporary, public displays in the state capitol so long as these displays are not paid for by taxpayer dollars.”
* The Festivus pole wasn’t around when I was there during the veto session. But we do have something new…
* Bernie explains…
A display from The Satanic Temple-Chicago has been placed in the Statehouse rotunda, joining the Nativity scene to mark the Christmas season and the Menorah to mark Hanukkah.
According to the Satanic group’s application to the secretary of state’s office to allow the display, the sculpture is called “Knowledge is the Greatest Gift,” and it depicts the forearm of a young woman extended, with her hand holding an apple.
The whole structure, including the base, is about 4 1/2 feet tall, and the arm and apple statue is about 18 inches long. […]
According to the group’s application, it is “a non-theistic organization, the mission of which is to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense and justice, and be directed by the human conscience to undertake noble pursuits guided by the individual will.”
The group’s website is here.
* Meanwhile, speaking of the holidays…
* I asked John to post some of the songs on YouTube. Here are the links…
* “The First Time the Christmas Story Was Told”
* “Christmas Has Come…Joy to the World!” (excerpt)
* “Silent Night” (excerpt)
* “A Visit From Saint Nicholas”
