Newtonmas

Newtonmas is a secular holiday celebrated on December 25 each year in honor of Sir Isaac Newton's birthday. Newton was born on December 25, 1642. He made important advances in science and mathematics, held a professorship at Trinity College without joining the clergy, and according to the legend, his ideas about gravity were inspired by a falling apple. Since his birthday coincides with Christmas, his birthday is considered by some to be the perfect choice for a non-religious holiday.

Despite his fame as one of the greatest scientists ever to have lived, the Bible was Sir Isaac Newton's greatest passion. He devoted more time to the study of scripture than to science, and said, "I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily." It should be noted, however, that some scholars have argued that Newton's privately held religious beliefs were far outside the norm for the time, and would have quite probably been considered heretical.

Traditions

The Newtonmas Tree is an apple tree, but because "it's not nice to kill trees", Newtonmas trees are usually something green and treelike with apples, preferably synthetic ones, on them. Living apple trees are better, but they should be left where they are growing, although decorations like lights and ornaments are okay.

Gifts of knowledge are exchanged on Newtonmas morning. The gifts could be books, CDs, videos, or other media. The point is that the gifts should contribute to the recipient's intellectual development. [1]

See also

• Pi Day
• Darwin Day
• Mole Day
• Square root day

External links

• Newtonmas - Gordon Worley's site
• Transhuman Holidays - brief mention of Newtonmas
• The Third Side of the Coin: Merry Newtonmas! - another brief mention
• Newton as Heretic (and other writings)
• Newton and Biblical Codes