Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. Both Hong
Kong and Macau designate Christmas as a public holiday on December 25. Both
are former colonies of Western powers with (nominal) Christian cultural
heritage. But in China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. The one percent
of Chinese citizens who consider themselves Christians unofficially, and
usually privately, observe Christmas. But with the world becoming a global
village, Christmas has now become a festive occasion for an increasing
number of Chinese as well. It is worth noting how commercial Christmas
decorations, signs, and other symbolic items have become increasingly
prevalent during the month of December in large urban centers of mainland
China, reflecting a cultural interest in this Western phenomenon, and,
sometimes, as part of retail marketing schemes. Arrival of winter marks the
celebration of Christmas in China. People decorate their homes with dazzling
Christmas lights, beautiful Christmas tree and mouth watering Christmas
recipes. Christmas trees are called "trees of light" and are also decorated
with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns. Children hang up
muslin stockings in hopes that Dun Che Lao Ren (China's Santa) will visit
and fill them with presents. Stores have men dressed as Santa Claus handing
out candy and waitresses with Santa hats. The booming commercialism which
has spread outward from Beijing has been called a Chinese phenomenon. It
started out as a friendly gesture or business ploy aimed at Christian
visitors.
Giving gifts is an integral part of the Christmas celebrations, and it is no
exception in China. People exchange beautiful Christmas gifts with each
other. These Christmas gift are the ideal way to express your love and care
to the loved ones.
Christmas celebrations signify spreading and happiness to the loved ones. In
China, people begin their Christmas celebrations with beautiful Christmas
decorations. Christmas decorations usually incorporate lighting houses,
using beautiful paper lanterns, paper flowers and lanterns. Another major
highlight of Christmas celebrations are the local festivals in China. People
participate in this festival. According to Chinese tradition, people go to
Church. In China, the most important winter festival is Spring Festival.
During this festival, children are gifted new clothes, mouth-watering meal,
small toys and firecracker. Worshipping ancestors is the major part of this
festival.
Although Christianity is unofficial in China, there are an estimated 10
million baptized Christians (about 1 percent of the population) who
celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas time. The popularity of midnight
mass has grown so swiftly over the past few years that most Catholic
churches can not hold the numbers who come out Christmas Eve. While
Christmas Day is not a public holiday, Christmas celebrations are becoming
more popular in China itself. Particularly in urban areas, one can find
Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations on the streets and in
department stores. Attendance at Christmas Eve mass has also become more
popular in recent years. With each passing year, the Chinese public is
becoming more conscious about the significance of Christmas, and more and
more people are beginning to participate and immerse themselves in the
spirit of Christmas celebrations.
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