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Fans celebrate 'Prince Day' worldwide—but Prince, a Jehovah's Witness, didn't celebrate birthdays | The Tylt

FINAL RESULTS
Fans celebrate 'Prince Day' worldwide—but Prince, a Jehovah's Witness, didn't celebrate birthdays
#respectPRINCE
A festive crown for the winner
#celebratePRINCE

Prince was born on June 7, and would have been 58 years old today. Grieving fans all over the world are holding tributes, dance parties, and celebrations in his honor. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton even declared June 7 “Prince Day," and residents are being encouraged to wear purple to honor his legacy. 

But here's the thing: Prince didn't celebrate birthdays. He was a very observant Jehovah's Witness, and Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays because they believe "such celebrations displease God." Birthdays and other holidays are viewed as pagan rituals, glorifying "false religious beliefs or activities." 

Is it weird to honor him in a way that would have undoubtedly felt counter to his religious beliefs? 

Clearly, most Americans think celebrating birthdays is not only permissible, but necessary. And certainly no one wants to disrespect Prince doing it (quite the opposite actually).

Should fans #respectPRINCE in other ways besides celebrating his birthday? Or is June 7 the perfect day to #celebratePRINCE?

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Real-time Voting
Fans celebrate 'Prince Day' worldwide—but Prince, a Jehovah's Witness, didn't celebrate birthdays
#respectPRINCE
#celebratePRINCE
#respectPRINCE
Some fans are definitely acknowledging the contradiction.
#respectPRINCE
#respectPRINCE
Some fans think people should at least be aware of Prince's beliefs.
#celebratePRINCE
Fans who are celebrating today are honoring his life and legacy – they mean no disrespect.
#celebratePRINCE
Spike Lee is celebrating big.
imageSupportingMedia
#respectPRINCE
Superfan Anil Dash recommended another way to honor the late musician — one he certainly would've approved of.
#celebratePRINCE
For many, June 7 is just another opportunity to revisit and celebrate Prince's life and legacy.
FINAL RESULTS
Fans celebrate 'Prince Day' worldwide—but Prince, a Jehovah's Witness, didn't celebrate birthdays
#respectPRINCE
A festive crown for the winner
#celebratePRINCE
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