Christmas Traditions

​

Christians make up only one percent of the population in China. The majority of Chinese people are not especially familiar with Christmas. However, in the context of global integration, the level of economic and cultural exchange between China and Western world has been significant. As a product of cultural diffusion, Christmas has gradually become increasingly popular. Christmas has a carnival colour. It particularly caters to those young people who advocate personality and pursuit of fashion.

​

Different cities in both mainland China and Taiwan celebrate Christmas almost in the same way. The Christmas preparations start from the beginning of December. One can experience the Christmas atmosphere in the streets, shops, parks and even in schools. The Christmas decorations are found everywhere in different shops and markets. Christmas trees and Christmas lights can be spotted very easily, and people dressed up as Santa Clauses are active in all major commercial events. Beautiful Christmas music such as Jingle Bells always echoes in people’s ears. It has even been performed in Beijing Opera on Christmas. Moreover, Many Christmas decorations are filled with Chinese style.

 

People decorate their Christmas trees with some old traditions like Chinese poetry, and also use the dragon decorations to send Christmas greetings to everyone. Another great thing is that many employers offer promotions before Christmas. There are also many shops and stores that have big sales in Christmas time and those stores tend to be crowded with excited shoppers. 

 

When Christmas approaches, people often receive Christmas greetings from friends and family members. Apples are very common gifts on Christmas Eve. Many stores have apples wrapped up in colourful paper. People give apples on Christmas Eve because in Chinese Christmas Eve is called ”Ping’an Ye”, meaning peaceful or quiet evening, which has been translated from the carol ’Silent Night’. The word for apple in Mandarin is ”píng guǒ” (苹果) which sounds like the word for peace. Because Christmas is close to the Chinese New Year, many people will choose to celebrate two festivals together. 

On Christmas Eve, people often give each other apples to express blessings and wishes. Those who get the gift must eat the apples which means they accept their blessings. Some people also write blessings on cards they send to others. The cards and apples may be send among classmates, friends, family members, colleagues, etc. Even in some Christmas parties organized by the companies or restaurants, Santa Claus played by an actor can send gift cards or apples to the audience. Nowadays, there are two types of Christmas cards: ordinary greeting cards and e-cards. General web e-cards have a background music. E-cards can also come with different styles and varieties. A popular way is to fill the recipients’ name and the sender's wishes on the e-card pages, and the greetings will be automatically sent through email.

​

People in the Western countries often reunite with their family on Christmas Day. However, the typical Christmas event for Chinese people is to go out for entertainment, including watching movies, going to Karaoke, shopping and so on. Young couples often regard Christmas Day as a romantic day. They give gifts to each other like on Valentine’s Day. Amusement parks are another popular place for people to enjoy this day.