Delicate question about the Candlelight Processional Show

[LilyWDW]

Wow, that is the most confusing statement i have heard in a while...well, other than 'saved or created'.

How so? Religion can be very interesting to study even if you are not religious. It also has a huge impact on the culture of the people.

 

[nytimez]

That was *exactly* what I thought it would be. Not being a religious person, and not being raised inside a religious family (except both parents claimed as they got older that they had religion in the homes, yeah, um, no), and not having looked it up I still have NO idea what processional might have to do with religion.

And that's why they need to explain it.

Ummm... or maybe you can take it upon yourself to find out what it means? They describe it well enough: "The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir."

"The story of Christmas" and a "mass choir" makes it quite clear it's a religious event.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Always learn something on the DIS. I was raised Catholic and I still didn't know that the word processional had a religious meaning. I always thought it just meant a bunch of people walking in a line.

Now if it was "recessional" - that would have had more connection with church to me. Interesting.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procession

 

[rie'smom]

In another life, I was episcopalian but now am Roman Catholic and The Candlelight Processional reminds me of Midnight Mass. There was a children's choir that was outstanding. This year we'll be at Universal on the day after Thanksgiving but will make a point to attend the CP on that evening.

 

[geenerbell]

That's a little like going on a boat ride and being upset or offended that you saw water.

 

[geenerbell]

In another life, I was episcopalian but now am Roman Catholic and The Candlelight Processional reminds me of Midnight Mass. There was a children's choir that was outstanding. This year we'll be at Universal on the day after Thanksgiving but will make a point to attend the CP on that evening.

In your other life were you a Diser? I had to ask because you have a lot of posts.

 

[vicki_c]

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procession

Hmmm. That definition doesn't have a religious explanation. And I looked up processionAL too and it doesn't really either - only in some of the examples they give (recessional however does say it's a hymn at the end of a service). Guess that English degree finally paid off - my mom will be so happy.

 

[sunnyday123]

"he (the narrator) had the nerve to say that without the birth of Jesus Christ we would not have a reason to celebrate Christmas! Doesn't Disney know anything about political correctness? How could they have a show like that!"

Are you kidding me? I woud have been too busy laughing at her. Do they celebrate Christmas for Arbor Day in other parts of the country?

That was *exactly* what I thought it would be. Not being a religious person, and not being raised inside a religious family (except both parents claimed as they got older that they had religion in the homes, yeah, um, no), and not having looked it up I still have NO idea what processional might have to do with religion.

And that's why they need to explain it.

Really? The word CHRISTMAS didn't give you a clue?

 

[nytimez]

Hmmm. That definition doesn't have a religious explanation. And I looked up processionAL too and it doesn't really either - only in some of the examples they give (recessional however does say it's a hymn at the end of a service). Guess that English degree finally paid off - my mom will be so happy.

Ummm... yes it does?

b : emanation <the Holy Spirit's procession from the Father>

...from the page you said "doesn't have a religious explanation."

It also describes the religious origins of the word under "origins."

You can learn more about the word "procession" and "processional" at etymonline.

 

[larryz]

Congratulations! Four pages of responses and everyone's keeping it pretty much adult.

Re the remarks about being cultural as well as religious... not so hard to fathom, when you consider the cultural basis for those who founded this country, and that one of THEIR key tenets was to avoid imposing any specific religion on the country. Just so -- CPP is not imposed on any Epcot guests. You might not be able to avoid hearing the music, but you definitely don't have to watch the show. And yet it remains available to those who choose to watch it -- very ecumenical, if you ask me.

 

[sunnyday123]

Congratulations! Four pages of responses and everyone's keeping it pretty much adult.

Re the remarks about being cultural as well as religious... not so hard to fathom, when you consider the cultural basis for those who founded this country, and that one of THEIR key tenets was to avoid imposing any specific religion on the country. Just so -- CPP is not imposed on any Epcot guests. You might not be able to avoid hearing the music, but you definitely don't have to watch the show. And yet it remains available to those who choose to watch it -- very ecumenical, if you ask me.

I just don't understand being offended by the CP, or not realizing it might be religious.

 

[dolphindan1]

Hi, I'm a Methodist too.

My Uncle a Methodist minister would have loved that...He always jokes that Methodist are Baptist's that can read....

 

[dolphindan1]

Congratulations! Four pages of responses and everyone's keeping it pretty much adult.

Re the remarks about being cultural as well as religious... not so hard to fathom, when you consider the cultural basis for those who founded this country, and that one of THEIR key tenets was to avoid imposing any specific religion on the country. Just so -- CPP is not imposed on any Epcot guests. You might not be able to avoid hearing the music, but you definitely don't have to watch the show. And yet it remains available to those who choose to watch it -- very ecumenical, if you ask me.

I posted last night and fully expected this thread to be closed when i logged back on today...good job DIS'ers...
OH yeah if i am staying at the Poly can I use the pool at GF...

Now it will get ugly

 

[brunette8706]

hmmmmm....."Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards man...." I guess I can see why you would be offended by that. Gosh, if only the entire world would believe in those 2 principles, can you imagine the HORROR! Give me a break!

 

[dolphindan1]

There it is...

 

[FoodLover]

You know, I'm fairly sure it is MY site the OP mentioned, that explains the CP is an explicitly Christian event. The reason I am so specific on MouseSavers is that I myself was very surprised when I attended the show. I expected it to be a more secular, "holly jolly," ho-ho-ho Christmas show with popular holiday tunes sung by a choir. As we all know, "Christmas" is celebrated both religiously and in a secular manner (Santa Claus, presents, tinsel, etc).

As for "processional," the word is not exclusively religious. For example, there are academic "processions," which are a bunch of professors wearing robes, walking into a ceremonial event in a line. The music played during those processions is called a "processional."

I have heard from many readers who thanked me for explaining the CP's content. It clearly wasn't obvious to them from the title or from the word "Christmas" that it would be a religious event.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[jamstew]

Hi, I'm a Methodist too.

That makes two of us.

Others have said it's not like being at church and that's too true.

I'd compare it more to attending a Christmas cantata than a church service.

 

[sunnyday123]

I posted last night and fully expected this thread to be closed when i logged back on today...good job DIS'ers...
OH yeah if i am staying at the Poly can I use the pool at GF...

Now it will get ugly

Yes, but only if you bring your mug from 1996. And a sandwich you made out of the roast you cooked in your crock pot in the room.

 

[dolphindan1]

And a sandwich you made out of the roast you cooked in your crock pot in the room.

HUH...I have never heard this argument...really

 

[linzbear]

I just don't understand being offended by the CP, or not realizing it might be religious.

This, especially since 2 doors down they talk about Ramadan and play Muslim songs.