Hello Christmas

[abugslife]

[Over the last few days, people who engage in various holiday-related activities might notice that they are being watched by a Gebian. He looks exactly the same as most of his kin, but he seems to react in a somewhat abashed manner when you spot him. And...]

Hello, I am Pentu. Do not mind me; I am here merely to research Earth holidays such as Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa. Would you mind answering a few questions?

[He talks! The voice is kinda insectoid and awkward, like how a cute bug would talk on a kid's cartoon, but still. What exactly were you doing that grabbed his interest? Maybe you knew in advance about him and it's a planned endeavour, even.]

Comments

[jianai]

You could say that. Ta-dah!

[Ren makes a theatrical arm movement, showing off Christmas decorations they were putting up here and there around the bases.]

What do you think?

[abugslife]

What is the significance of flashing lights combined with greenery?

[Confused Gebian is confused.]

[jianai]

It's supposed to be reminiscent of a Christmas tree. Do you... umm, you don't know what that is, do you?

It's symbolic to have a tree for holidays, with decorations. At first apples and other fruits were used, but those were too heavy and impractical, so now we have lights and various baubles instead. Too bad you can't actually eat them, can you?

[abugslife]

I do not know, an edible light sounds like very useful multi-purpose emergency equipment.

What does the tree symbolize?

[jianai]

It definitely does! Too bad we do not have any.

Let's see... the tree... symbolises...

I do not have any idea, actually. I can only make educated guesses!

[Derp.]

[abugslife]

[Pentu's tone is flatter now.]
What is your guess, then?

[jianai]

It's winter nowadays. Okay, to be precise - it's winter in the regions where this holiday was first invented. That means nature is in withdrawal. But it's not dead, and plants that are hiding will return, ever so green and no longer withered.

That's what the tree symbolises. It's a promise of better times that are to come. It says "you are experiencing hardship now, but things will get better. Stick together and you will prevail, as one strong group". That way, it becomes a powerful symbol of unity.

You see, it just happens that for the religion that first celebrated Christmas, rebirth and unity are both very important themes.

[abugslife]

Would that make the tree also a symbol of your organization? Because it is called Unity Group.

[jianai]

Hmm. I wonder how would Unity Group members react to having the christmas tree as their symbol?

[Amusement grows.]