Reception

It was some years ago. We decorated the resurrection statue in the church with 'Golden shower flowers' (cassia fistula) and fruits and grains. That year, Easter and 'Vishu' - the native solstitical Hindu festival were the day before and the day after. There are people who are annoyed to see golden-shower flowers in a church. They get to think that roses, dahlias, lilies, and asters are Christian flowers, and that golden-showers, ixora, marigolds, and lotuses are Hindu flowers!!

A narrative has been created globally that only European cultural manifestations are Christian. A few years ago, there was an attempt to eliminate dance, which is a vital part of African worship, from churches and to create a Roman uniform throughout the world.

It's good to remember that Jesus never lighted candles or wore a golden cope or a miter.

The Christmas tree, the Christmas wreath, the Easter egg, and the Easter bunny- all came from the climates and cultures of Western countries.

The plant with bright red and dark green leaves known as the 'poinsettia' was not part of the Christmas decorations in churches until Joel Poinsett became the first US ambassador to Mexico in the early 1800s.

The thali-tie, the flagstaff in front of a church, the granite cross, the oil lamps, brass hanging lamps, the offering boxes near each saint statue, the various kinds of vows, the chenda-drum in the processions, and the elephant figures seen in front of churchs, are all local inculturations in India.

Every cultural object and custom has its own meaning. Cultures themselves are meaning-systems. Some cultural artifacts may not fit into certain systems. Whereas some others may not only fit well, but also might bring about profound meaning and brilliance.

Have you ever wondered why many of the important festivities in most Religions come side by side? The fact is that they are very subtly connected to solstices.

Today, there are few people who eat rice in North India. Wheat has become their staple food. In ancient times, wheat was not used in India. It was introduced to India. Therefore, even today, whether in North India or abroad, only paddy or rice are used in Hindu offerings and sacrifices. Wheat is not.

In the Catholic Church, while unleavened wheat-bread is used for Mass in Western churches, the Eastern churches use leavened wheat bread. Although grape-wine is generally used for the Eucharist, unfermented grape juice (mustum) is also permitted. I have read that in ancient times, when grape-wine wasn't available, raisins were soaked and squeezed for Mass in the Eastern churches of Kerala.

Christian believe that the resurrection of Christ imparted dignity and divine glory to all creation and to the whole world.