Today, Christians view Old Testament rituals as part of a historical legacy that has given way to the new teaching brought by Christ.

Ritual Reinterpretation: From Ancient Customs to New Spirituality

Today, Christians view Old Testament rituals as part of a historical legacy that has given way to the new teaching brought by Christ. In contemporary Christian thought, the focus shifts from ritual traditions such as celebrating Purim and consuming symbolic “Aman’s ears” to spiritual renewal, symbolism, and allegorical interpretations of sacred scriptures. Thus, the events of the Old Testament are seen as belonging to the past, and its rituals have lost their significance in light of the New Testament and the Crucifixion of Christ—a turning point in the history of faith.

At the heart of this approach is an emphasis on renewing moral and spiritual foundations, where rituals symbolizing the cruel and bloody episodes of ancient times are no longer regarded as a valid model of behavior for modern believers. Christians believe that reinterpreting these traditions aligns with the spirit of the age, where ideals of love, forgiveness, and fresh spiritual experiences take precedence. This perspective actively nurtures the growth of faith and allows a focus on principles that promote personal development and the evolution of societal norms.

In summary, the abandonment of celebrating Purim and its related rituals is not merely a change in tradition, but a conscious move toward a deeper interpretation of sacred heritage. By considering Old Testament rituals as historical experience, Christians strive to create values that reflect a modern understanding of spirituality, morality, and mutual respect—ensuring the continuity of faith under a new epochal approach.

Why do Christians not celebrate Purim with the Jews and not adhere to the tradition of consuming “Aman’s ears”?

Christians do not celebrate Purim nor follow the tradition of consuming “Aman’s ears” because their religious worldview holds that Old Testament rituals and norms are no longer relevant to modern life. In the Christian tradition, the events of the Old Testament are interpreted symbolically and allegorically, and many of the festivals enshrined in Jewish practice are seen as pertaining to a specific historical period that ended with the Crucifixion of Christ. As one source states, “The shelf life of Purim expired in 30 AD—at the Crucifixion of Christ. Yet the Jews are still ready to feed themselves with this product” (source: link txt, page: 261). In other words, for Christians, these rituals have lost their practical and spiritual significance as they consider the Old Testament to be in the past, with its principles and ceremonies no longer resonating with contemporary faith.

Furthermore, another commentary notes, “This is where the monstrosity of this 'joyful festival' lies: from generation to generation, it reproduces the model for treating those whom the Jews once regarded as their enemy. There is no history, no progress... Therefore, Christians do not celebrate Purim—even though this festival is rooted in a history that is sacred to us as well” (source: link txt, page: 262). This underlines that the Christian tradition sees no need to revive rituals connected to the brutal and bloody events of antiquity, even when these rituals form part of the cultural heritage and traditional symbols in Jewish practice, such as “Aman’s ears.”

Thus, Christians reject the celebration of Purim and the observance of its associated traditions (including the consumption of “Aman’s ears”) because they believe that the behavioral models and rituals of the Old Testament no longer hold relevant moral or spiritual power in the light of Christian teachings, in which the events and commandments of the New Testament have replaced or reinterpreted the old norms.