Celebrating multicultural holidays and the meaning of coexistence

December is a month of multicultural holiday celebrations and an opportunity to reflect on the meaning to coexist. From the earliest humans, people have looked up at the stars and wondered who made them. From ancient times to the present, the winter solstice has played an important role in cultures worldwide marking the sun’s “rebirth.” While we may not share the same beliefs, we have more in common than we might think.

The simple but universal phrase “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” speaks of a culture in which diversity is respected.

“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” — Dorothy Day (1897-1980), American journalist, activist and Roman Catholic reformer

“If there is any kindness I can show, or anything I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” — William Penn (1644-1718), English Quaker leader and advocate for religious freedom belonging to the Religious Society of Friends

“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” — Baha’u’llah (1817-1892), Iranian philosopher

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.” — Sanskrit mantra (Sanskrit is the sacred language of Hinduism.)

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me; let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be." — Jill Jackson-Miller (1913-1995), American film actress, composer, writer and author

The Boundary County Human Rights Task Force wish our friends and neighbors good health, hope and peace.