Why do Jehovahs Witnesses not celebrate birthdays or sing?
Among Jehovah’s Witnesses, there is an avoidance of practices considered to have nationalistic or false religious origins. Examples include not singing the national anthem or saluting the flag. This is because of their belief that one should only give allegiance to Jehovah and not man-made institutions. The Witnesses believe that nationalism is dangerous. Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are typically observed. Common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are regarded as pagan and thus are not celebrated.Their position on birthdays is said to be based on how the Bible presents them. The only birthday celebrations mentioned in the Bible are Herod’s and Pharaoh’s. Both were associated with executions, and neither celebrant was a servant of God. Also, the Bible does not show Jesus or his apostles celebrating birthdays.
