Exhibit CC 09-06-2011 Oral Communications Community Tree vs. Christmas Tree CC Cf 11 OWL
Petition to Place the Issue of"Community Tree" vs. "Christmas Tree" on the Council's Agenda
• As in past years, the tall pine tree in front of Quinlan Center on Stelling Ave is scheduled to be
lit in December by the city as a "Community Tree" rather than, what it is called all over the
world, including the State Capitol, the White House and the Capitol in Washington, a
"Christmas Tree."The odd naming was originally done in fear of being sued by citizens who
might have found the true name to violate separation of church and state and to favor one
particular religion, Christianity, from which this practice of tree lighting in December is taken.
Several years ago, however, the US Supreme Court has ruled that both Christmas and
Hanukkah have become a sufficiently secular as well as a religious holiday that a Christmas
tree or Menorah (without more explicit religious symbolism) can be displayed on public
property without violating the church-state separation principle.
• The Cupertino City Council is aware of that ruling yet each year has refused to give the annual
ceremony in front of Quinlan Center its true name, namely "Christmas Tree Lighting." This is
the third year that I have asked to do that, not to negate the Christian origin and heritage of
that particular custom which is done by many non-Christians as well as non-believers all over
the world. The Christmas tree is not a retreaded "pagan" practice to celebrate the coming
spring ahead and the expected return of warmth and renewal of nature. A pine tree was
chosen in the 7th century AD (or CE) by St. Boniface as a symbol for Christianity. Many
centuries later and starting in Eastern Europe, the practices arose of hanging sweets,
decorations and lights from such a tree and placing gifts for the poor under it at Christmas
time. This practice has spread worldwide and become so popular that many families practicing
other faiths (or none) also put up, decorate and light such a tree to delight their children and
help the poor.
• The city of Cupertino, like others, derives a considerable sales tax income from trade involving
Christmas gifts, starting nowadays at or even before Thanksgiving. To deny or suppress the
religious origin of all that wonderful business in the "Community Tree Lighting" seems to be
hypocritical. Especially in view of the importance of Cupertino to the nation and the world in
technology and trade, it make us look silly or odd.
• Continuing to replace "Christmas" with "Community" denies the heritage of the Christmas tree,
pretends it to be a new idea having nothing to do with religion, and thereby is an affront to
Christians and can be interpreted as an attack on religion in general.
• Finally, it has been my experience in our family's circle of friends, colleagues and
acquaintances that people of other (e.g. Jewish, Hindu) or no faith have no objection to
"Christmas Tree."
Lothar Bandermann, Ph.D.
21131 Grenola Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel: (408) 996-9352
Email: Ibandermann@att.net
Resident since 1978
Retired scientist; composer, parish organist of St. Joseph of Cupertino Catholic Church