All life forms on this planet have been connected to Nature since their inception.
Yet, the human race seems to have almost forgotten to take care of their source of sustenance, to preserve their source of Lifeforce.
Putting up posters and banners regarding the same is no longer an effective solution. And simply painting an Earth Day coloring page is no longer of any help.
Take a leaf from the protest movement on April 22, 1970, when no less than 20 million Americans decided to actively participate in a march to symbolize the atrocities against Mother Nature and take a step against and put an end to them.
And that was the incident when Earth Day gained its roots. Nearly five decades have passed.
The transition of events may seem like they have changed course, but the foundations remain the same.
Right from the old to the new generations – how much have we upheld the significance of Earth Day? It’s high time we thought about it!
Now, coming to the debate of whether Earth Day is a religious holiday, the central theme that upholds the event should provide us with an answer.
World Earth Day: A Brief History
Since the mid-20th century, the American population has slowly but surely realized the gravity of exploiting Nature and natural resources.
This ideology was precipitated by the Cuyahoga River fire in Cleveland and an oil well explosion in the Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara, off the coast of California in 1969.
Both these events were the worst ecological disasters of the century.
These accidents catapulted a series of events, finally paving the way for the birth of Earth Day, whose founder is Senator Gaylord Nelson, Democrat of Wisconsin.
He prompted the consideration of a protest rally promoted and supported by nearly 10% of America’s population. Since then, 22nd April has been declared as Earth Day.
Most Popular Secular Observance in the World
Earth Day is considered to be the most prominent secular observation around the world.
This is because more than a billion people from 140 nations and different walks of life participate and commemorate this day.
Yet, the question still arises: Is Earth Day a religious holiday? As per common belief, our answer should have been no.
Except it’s not. And that’s not because we consider it a conventional religious holiday. So, before you get all worked up, keep reading!
Almost all traditional religious beliefs put up the theory of religion being an entity greater than us.
An all-powerful and domineering force that sets into action all laws, hypotheses, and theorems while equally challenging new theories.
According to this perspective, then, we could also consider nature as a fiercely dynamic, wild, and free energy that sets rules, yet it abides by none.
Alas, though, the human race tries to subdue this endless energy source, control it, and direct it to fit the bills of its never-ending greed.
No wonder, with the masses realizing the effects of such heinous and laughable acts, Earth Day has gained the recognition it deserves.
And, philosophically speaking, if Nature is to be treated with the utmost respect and humbleness of mankind, treating this popular observance as a “religious” holiday is by no means unfair or wrong.
If Religion encompasses the Divine, no greater religion than the planet is our sole reason for survival.
Going by this logic, yes, Earth Day is no different than a religious holiday.
Because if you consider any other traditional religious holidays, including Holi, Ramadan, Easter, Pesach, Vaisakhi, or the like, they mark the arrival of Spring, the time of rejuvenation of Mother Nature.
How Can We Acknowledge Earth Day?
To truly acknowledge Earth Day, one must remember that it is not just a one-day affair.
Incorporating activities that help Nature renew her vigor in our daily lives is a true mark of honoring the one that bestows us Life and Energy.
Earth Day may serve as a reminder of a mark of realization and understanding. But without perseverance, the efforts of this united movement will go in vain.
Earth Day Activities
Below are some Earth Day activities for adults and children that have been widely followed globally.
One can follow this special holiday and try to incorporate every other day of each year.
- Hug a tree
- Spend some time in Nature basking under the warmth of the Sun
- Pick up trash in your nearby area
- Segregate trash into biodegradable and non-biodegradable items
- Harness natural energy resources
- Cycle to work instead of taking the car.
Final Words
A happy Earth equates to a happy me, a happy you, and, eventually, a happy world. It determines the quality of lives of individuals, directly translating to a secure progeny.
The activities listed above may seem trivial, but only when humans adopt these actions on a large scale do they start reaping their results.
Which one of these activities would you like to pledge to start from the next Earth Day? And which activities do you usually take part in?
Let us know in the comments below, and suggest other ways you contribute towards creating awareness.
