Christopher D. Green wrote:
Hmm. Or perhaps they used conifers because deciduous tree don't have any leaves in the winter? The decorating of pine trees for religious holidays dates back at least to ancient Roman cult of Cybele, whose lover, Attis, was said to have castrated himself as punishment for an infidelity, and then beld to death under a pine tree, only to rise again three days later (sounding familiar?). This act of self-sacrifice was celebrated by cutting down a pine tree and decorating it with violets to represent Attis' blood. By the way, priests of Cybele were celebate (because they were castrated as well).
At least Attis followed best-practices by introducing the punisher at full intensity (see Azrin & Holz, 1966 ;-)
But I do see a problem recruiting new priests. Or am I suffering from the Freudian defense mechanism of projection.
Ken
Chris -- Christopher D. Green Department of Psychology York University Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Canada 416-736-5115 ex. 66164 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.yorku.ca/christo =============================
--------------------------------------------------------------- Kenneth M. Steele, Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Department of Psychology http://www.psych.appstate.edu Appalachian State University Boone, NC 28608 USA --------------------------------------------------------------- --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english
