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Birthday celebrations have pagan roots. According to Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary Folklore, Mythology, and Legend, these celebrations originated from the belief that on a person’s birthday, “evil spirits and influences have the opportunity to attack the celebrants” and that “the presence of friends and the expression of good wishes help to protect the celebrant.” The book The Lore of Birthdays says that in ancient times, birthday records were “essential for the casting of a horoscope” based on “the mystic science of astrology.” This book adds that “birthday candles, in folk belief, are endowed with special magic for granting wishes.”  The Bible, however, condemns the use of magic, divination, spiritism, or “anything like this.” (Deuteronomy 18:14; Galatians 5:19-21) In fact, one reason why God condemned the ancient city of Babylon was that its inhabitants practiced astrology, which is a form of divination. (Isaiah 47:11-15) Jehovah’s Witnesses are not preoccupied with the roots of every custom; yet when the Scriptures give such pointed indications, we do not ignore them.

Ottava Rima

a-b-a-b-a-b-c-c rhyme scheme
8 Lines, 11 syllables
 
For my beloved sister Sylvia
The eldest sibling wisest, and loveliest
She is a true believer in our Lord  
I respect her wishes NOT to celebrate her Birthday--I Am Anaya

(a non-birthday wish for my sister)

How then shall I show love for our sisterhood? Our mother’s baby birthed on this joyous day A festive time with wishes ‘happy’ and good No balloon filled room, cake, gifts on display Belief systems stand first it’s well understood So, in all due respect and come what may Just poetry for YOU showing how I care Without words which may displease God, I share Without salutary words which may offend In toughest of times with me you’ve always been Soulful eyes I’d run to, my hurt you’d suspend One hundred, forty four thousand for heaven My selfless sister shall be one in the end Devotion has earned a palatial inn Forever dwelling on a pure restored earth A poem for you this day mother gave birth

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 1/31/2025 5:56:00 PM
Anaya, fondness and love for your sister shines in the poem you wrote. I think she won't mind what you've placed here. I'm thinking how wonderfully lucky you are to have her in your life. Sounds like she loves you too and has some beliefs she holds dear. Glad you repeat her and didn't have a surprise party. That would probably not go over very well. Smiles!!
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Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 3/14/2025 10:09:00 AM
This was her only surprise, and I think she really liked it. I love my sister. Smiles back to you!
Date: 1/26/2025 11:45:00 AM
There is truth in what you have put Anaya.' A Lot of celebrations have pagan roots' one of The worst being misletoe ( a tree cancer ) so Because it grows regardless as to what it does To the host tree druids revered its live at all Costs as a (holy fertility typolology) oh well if You know then don't go.?? Hmm I guess with Birthday celebrations its more acceptable to God.?? As it is a new giving life.' Hmm? Good Of you to recognise your sisters concern Like this.' All the best.)
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Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 3/14/2025 10:11:00 AM
Thank you for reading, Joe. I obey her wishes! :)
Date: 1/22/2025 12:41:00 PM
A lovely tribute to her, Anaya
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Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 3/14/2025 10:06:00 AM
Belated Ty, Andrea!
Date: 1/21/2025 12:07:00 PM
How thoughtful Anaya to write this heartfelt piece for your Sister Silvia. What a wonderful sister you have to be so meticulous in knowing God's words. I am so impressed of her commitment to God. I am sure she is Truly blessed. Reading this Ottava rima the reader can feel the love and appreciation you have for your sister. You are blessed to have such a sister and she is blessed to have you. God bless you both...
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Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 1/21/2025 12:18:00 PM
A poem was the least I could do for her, Michael. She (her & Sam) takes care of everyone, our Mother for instance, lives across the street from her and NOT in a nursing home. She's a dental hygienist in another life, now a caregiver and so many other things, like most women ha. Thank you so much and blessings!
Tor Avatar
Michael Tor
Date: 1/21/2025 12:08:00 PM
Also Anaya thank you for the scripture information on Birthdays, great effort on your part to share...
Date: 1/19/2025 11:28:00 AM
So sweet and respectful. And the notes preceding the poem provide a powerful witness. Sadly, most folks are more interested in self-determination and pleasure rather than truth
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 1/19/2025 12:40:00 PM
Awww
Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 1/19/2025 12:37:00 PM
I mentioned that she should click on your picture and read your poems and that your my JW poet friend. :)
Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 1/19/2025 12:35:00 PM
This was her comment: " I am grateful for your poem and how you put me on a pedestal and I don’t deserve such a beautiful way you think of me. At the same time you are actually giving a witness to others about celebrating birthdays and they learned something about the Bible!! Good job!! The early Christians didn’t celebrate bdays either. Yes that was quite a surprise and you did so with sweetness like the other poet mentioned. I took a screenshot of everything !! I read the poem to Sam he liked it too."
Date: 1/19/2025 11:04:00 AM
#1.I am sending in 2 parts. Too much writing & it will not go through. I really enjoyed reading your write. Great information here. I did not know Birthday celebrations have pagan roots. I know the Bible, condemns the use of magic, divination, spiritism, or “anything like this.” My friend is Jehovah’s Witnesses & will not do birthdays but can not tell me why.
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Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 1/20/2025 2:47:00 PM
It's a deeper devotion, Paula.
Date: 1/19/2025 11:03:00 AM
#2.She gives her grandkids gifts the month of their birth but not on the day. Just a thought about your sister. Could she pick a day to celebrate life, then celebrate with gifts, cake, balloons for both of you."OR" maybe a day to celebrate your sisterhood with gifts, cake, balloons. "Good Luck" in the contest. Have a blessed day...................
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 1/19/2025 12:25:00 PM
Paula, JW's have nothing against parties, picnics, dancing, fun times in general. But when there is a clear connection to paganism or a false deity (for example: New Years eve celebration and the god Janus) we refrain from participation - Exodus 20-2-6; Colossians 2:8
Anaya Avatar
I Am Anaya
Date: 1/19/2025 11:13:00 AM
Yes! I went on a visitation and there was cake and ice-cream on the table and a gift...I asked if it was Zoe's (her granddaughter 4 at the time) Birthday and she answered No, every weekend they have cake ice cream and a gift for her. This only lasted that year of course. ha! NOt for a Contest!

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