What's up with the birthday party ban?

P1234567890

Apparently JWs don't allow the celebration of birthday parties. Is this correct?

If so, what possible justification can there be for not letting children have parties and presents on their own birthdays? Why aren't they allowed to celebrate other kids' birthdays?

What possible justification is there for disenfranchising children of such a simple and innocent pleasure?
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FFT · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 10:56 am Post subject:

Pondering · King of the Jungle Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 1511

Again, I'm no expert, but I believe that conceptually they hold that sort of thing as a kind of idoltry...I know that's why they don't pledge allegiance to the flag....
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P1234567890 · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:30 pm Post subject:

Ana · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:02 pm Post subject:

I find it odd that anniversaries of weddings are observed but that anniversaries of being born are not.

On the other hand, this almost complete lack of formalized gift-giving might actually be a good thing. For one thing, it means that you're never getting a gift just because you expect one, so giving gifts means all the more. For another, it means you're not getting snookered into buying presents just because consumerism is making you feel guilty for not...

However, I had a JW friend when I was growing up, and I always felt sad when he had to sit out of the fun days at school (such as Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, etc), or when he wouldn't even get invited to other kids' parties (because they knew he wouldn't be able to go).
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P1234567890 · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 6:01 pm Post subject:

Yehushuan · Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:26 am Post subject:

(Colossians 2:20) If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, (21) Handle not, nor taste, nor touch (22) (all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men? (23) Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will–worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
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P1234567890 · Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 6:49 pm Post subject:

RR · Growing Guppy Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 40 Location: USA

I know this is an old thread, but really, who wants to be reminded that they're getting old? Razz

FuzzyTurret · Newbie Alert Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 4

JW's don't celebrate birthdays because the pharoah who imprisoned Joseph did as well as King Herod. (these are the only two references to birthday parties in the Bible). Therefore birthday parties are wicked.

TBax · King Kong Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 2124

Add to that the fact that no Christians is recorded as celebrating their birthday, neither the one we are to follow, the greatest man who ever lived, Jesus Christ. The early Christians also regarded it as a pagan celebration. Smile

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Ana · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:26 am Post subject:

Zathrus · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 10:03 am Post subject:

TBax · King Kong Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 2124