Whatever happened to dressing up on Easter Sunday?

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ^ | Saturday, April 10, 2004 | Alyson Walls

[Willie Green]

Although famed musical composer Irving Berlin thought them lovely enough to write a sonnet, nowadays few women are donning Easter bonnets.

In fact, you're more apt to see wrinkled khakis and rumpled polo shirts than pressed suits and pastel pumps at church on Sunday.

While Easter Sunday has traditionally been the day to show off your new spring finery, America has become a nation that dresses down, and not just on "casual Fridays" in the office.

[Protagoras]

Could somebody here please explain to this Jew what bunnies, eggs and bonnets have to do with the resurrection of Christ?

Nothing. Many nominal christians have tried to make it into a secular holiday (holy day), kinda like a spring celebration.

Christmas has been denigrated the same way.

[Protagoras]

I was always taught that you put a little effort in your appearance. It was a sign of respect.

Whoever taught you that was correct IMO. It has to do with setting the day apart from other days. Sunday is a holy day. Selected by God. "Holy" means seperate, apart, different. Many people dress differently on Sundays to show that respect to the Lord's day.

It doesn't have to be fancy, just clean, neat and different. A poor person with no different clothes will be welcomed by God whatever they wear if they have the right attitude in their heart. It isn't the clothes themselves that count, it's the intention to make the day special, to bring yourself formally into the presence of the Lord.

My two cents.

[Ciexyz]

Could somebody please explain to this Jew what bunnies, eggs and bonnets have to do with the resurrection of Christ?

How else do you keep the kids busy before Easter dinner with the extended family, than having an Easter egg hunt? And the kids really clean up with those eggs -- they're filled with quarters and dollar bills, not just with candy.

Bunnies and eggs as symbols of spring are used by the candy industry to push their products on us. It's as good a reason as any to eat chocolate.

Bonnets? Kids don't wear them anymore. I remember as a kid in the 50's wearing a new dress in a pastel color, a new hat, patent leather shoes and white gloves to church on Easter Sunday.

[Protagoras]

I remember as a kid in the 50's wearing a new dress in a pastel color, a new hat, patent leather shoes and white gloves to church on Easter Sunday.

I agree, and I pine for those days. So that's how I dressed for service this Easter.

My wife said I looked ridiculous.

[Mamzelle]

I find your chiding more self-righteous than desirous of showing genuine respect in church. I'm glad everything goes perfectly for you on Sunday mornings--it doesn't for many. Sometimes it seems like there are forces at work to prevent getting a family to church that are not present for a recital or school or whatever.

That makes a church where people aren't judged by their appearance more attractive.

[Xenalyte]

Jenna looks like she's on her way to play tennis in that dress. Not appropriate for church. (Spaghetti straps never are, unless one is in a wedding party.)

[Protagoras]

That makes a church where people aren't judged by their appearance more attractive.

Woodstock-era Baby Boomer hippies are all a bunch of lazy, atheistic slobs. 1 posted on 04/11/2004 11:02:32 AM CDT by Willie Green

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[Aquinasfan]

But when you go to church you should dress at least as well as you would to meet a great king.

If you dress better for a job interview than for a meeting with Jesus...

Maybe we should try to start a counter trend.

Yes. Usually I wear dress pants and a dress shirt. I really don't like ties...

[heylady]

Whoever taught you that was correct IMO


Thank you. My Father taught me well, to be a good person, to have a good Yankee work ethic, and to be able to respect yourself. That was the way he was brought up and the way I brought up my children. He never had any idea of what a great man he was. I miss him a lot.

[frgoff]

Yes, he will, even in the face of the tremendous disrespect you would show him by showing up in a tank top instead of a suit.

[adiaireton8]

I find your chiding more self-righteous than desirous of showing genuine respect in church.

I never said anything about myself. Why are you judging my motives?

I'm glad everything goes perfectly for you on Sunday mornings--it doesn't for many.

Now I *will* say something about myself, so you know I'm not just saying it and not doing it. Our church starts at 8:30 every Sunday morning. And its a 20 minute drive. And I have two daughters, one is handicapped, not potty-trained, unable to dress herself and almost 5 years old. We bathe the kids and get their church clothes ready the night before. We make it to church usually at least 10 minutes early. Why? Because it is a priority. Expect and plan for contingencies to arise. Give yourself extra time to deal with contingencies, just as you do to make sure you don't arrive to work late.

Sometimes it seems like there are forces at work to prevent getting a family to church that are not present for a recital or school or whatever.

Are you suggesting demons? Are you sure that it is not simply that you are not giving this enough planning, preparation, etc.? Before I resorted to the 'demons make me late for church every Sunday' excuse, I would examine my priorities very carefully. Maybe you are referring to feet-dragging on the part of family members. If so, that is not outside your control as a parent, unless you think you are supposed to treat your family like a democracy.

That makes a church where people aren't judged by their appearance more attractive.

What is attractive is not necessarily what is right or best. The issue is what is right, not, what is attractive.

[RockyMtnMan]

What is attractive is not necessarily what is right or best. The issue is what is right, not, what is attractive.

Both of which are subject to interpretation, hence the variety of denominations. Catholics seem to have a very negative view of the protestant half of Christianity, you are not by chance Catholic are you? Not to be confrontational just a question.

Accepting Christ and professing your love for him in front of the congregation thru baptism should be enough to convince most people you are a "respectful" and "obediant" Christian. After that you must walk the walk and talk the talk, 3 piece suit or not. Don't get wrapped around the axle about appearances because most true Christian's can see thru them.

[Willie Green]

Nice way to start a thread.

300~400 responses have exceeded my expectations.
I'm glad it's been a popular thread for discussion.

BTW, how many atheists do you know who go to church?

Klinton, Kennedy, Kerry et al

They may not openly profess atheism, but their hypocrisy is evident.

[nyconse]

It's nice to know I am not alone. I get so tired of hearing about how God doesn't care how you dress etc. I see people show up for weddings wearing very casual clothing: spouting off about how the couple should be happy because they made it. Sorry, I think it is disrespectful. I think sloppy clothes are a sign of the general lack of self discipline found today. Our parents generation were much more disciplined then many of us are.

[GOP_Thug_Mom]

Call me crazy, but I'm much more certain that the Lord would rather see you at a church praising his resurection than showing off your new 3 piece armani.

I can't help but recall the Lord talking about those who show up to the banquet improperly dressed being thrown out. I realize that he was talking about the appearance of our souls, but He obviously is recognizing the importance of showing respect in the way we dress. Afterall, who would show up to meet the Queen of England dressed in a polo and khaki's? Doesn't Our Lord and Creator deserve as much if not more???

[adiaireton8]

Both of which are subject to interpretation, hence the variety of denominations.

Everything is subject to interpretation. Everything. Even "2+2=4" is subject to interpretation. That does not mean there are not rights or wrongs, truths or falsehoods. Nor does it mean that it is impossible to determine the truth about anything. In other words, the fact that everything is subject to interpretation does not justify skepticism or relativism. That is just as true in theology as in any other area. When denomination X says Y, and denomination W says 'not Y', logic tells us they cannot both be right. Either X is wrong or W is wrong, or X and W are both wrong.

I'm going to ignore your anti-Catholic comments.

Accepting Christ and professing your love for him in front of the congregation thru baptism should be enough to convince most people you are a "respectful" and "obediant" Christian.

The reason why we ought to enter God's presence dressed respectfully is not to convince other people about the state of our hearts. That would be like giving alms in public *so that* other people could see you give them. Christ specifically condemns this. But that does not mean that we should not give alms. Likewise, just because we should not enter God's presence dressed respectfully in order to impress others does not mean that we should not enter God's presence dressed respectfully in order to respect and revere God. When God told Moses to take off his shoes on Mount Sinai, no one else was around. Moses was required to take off his shoes not to convince others of his internal piety, but to show respect to God.

[Protagoras]

Klinton, Kennedy, Kerry et al They may not openly profess atheism, but their hypocrisy is evident.

A hypocrite is different from an atheist. You should know if you pretend that your comment at the start of the thread was a Christian one. Maybe you should worry less about how you (and others) dress and more about how you act.

You must be a special guy to be able to look into people's hearts and know their true beliefs.

The poor fools who don't dress up as well as you for church were all called names by you and didn't even figure it out.

A very Christian way to start a thread, by calling people names and then challenging others faith. I'm glad I don't go to church with hypocrites like you.

[RockyMtnMan]

There is a difference between showing respect for other people and showing respect for God. He is not shallow like the multitudes and can see past the facades of men.

What I'm hearing is people see dressing up as a sign of respect to God. When in reality it is a show of respect among men that they respect God, a showing of their faith in God. The church I go to does not require this type of visual validation of faith but I suspect many others do.

My boss wears jeans to work regularly. I don't think less of him when he does since I have a personal relationship with him. Having the same relationship with Christ is far more important than what your neighbor thinks of you.

[Protagoras]

I fail to see why it matters what we wear to church so long as it doesn't expose too much skin or isn't making some sort of statement like a shirt emblazoned with a marijuana leaf.

Woodstock-era Baby Boomer hippies are all a bunch of lazy, atheistic slobs. 1 posted on 04/11/2004 11:02:32 AM CDT by Willie Green
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[YankeeGirl]

My 16 year-old, while not "Goth" pretty much owns only black stuff. However the black skirt (somewhat short) & the black top were hidden under the red choir robe, where she is the youngest member and an awesome soprano. People were moved to tears by her solo on Good Friday. I think God was pleased, though mom hated her outfit.

My 15 year old was dressed nicely. She usually ducks out of attending services by doing child care. Though I was pleased she was there and she looked beautiful, she spent the entire service playing (quiet) games on her cell phone.I hope that one day she will appreciate why we go every Sunday and will open herself up to God. I won't care what she is wearing that day.

Thirteen year old boys are, well, thirteen year old boys. My son and his buddies looked so grown up in their ties, navy jackets & khaki's. I was pleased that ALL the other moms got the same grief from them about dressing up.

I dressed up, and I wish more people dressed up for Easter. But I want to spend Easter & every Sunday morning getting ready to be in His presence and not getting exasperated about my kids clothing. I admit that sometimes I do, but that is not how I want to approach worship time. I have found that sometimes I have to let go of some things to open myself up to others.