Christmas celebration in China

Allow your mind to float as you hear the soft and soothing mandarin music. You sure would find yourself amidst the vibrant hues of red and gold in silk and the majestic pagoda like structures. Pictorial paintings, decorated piece of red cloths, tea leaves in cups with varied symbols will remind you of the Chinese festivities. Have you been wondering how Christmas celebrations in China are like You would have the red decorated lanterns with Chinese icons, green leaves with silver streaks, sparkling festoons and balls strewn all over. Though not very

famous as the Chinese New Year, Christmas in China is celebrated with fun and merriment.

Christmas traditions in China

 

Let us go over through some of the Christmas traditions in China. These are mostly observed by the Christians in China. As you walk the Nanjing Road, Sichuan North Road, and Huaihai Road watch the colorful paper lanterns up the ceilings in houses and shops. They call the Christmas Tree as the “Tree of Life” and embellish it with paper flowers and chains.

Children in China hang the stockings in muslin and wait for Santa Claus to visit and fill them with gifts. Much similar to our waiting for Santa isn’t it “Dun Che Lao Ren” is the name for Santa Claus, the literal meaning is “Christmas Old Man”. Known as the famous “Spring Festival”, this is the time when most children purchase new cloths, toys, go for meals and purchase firecrackers.

Christmas rituals in China are marked by ancestor worship. Most people take the photographs of their ancestors and keep it in the living room area.

 

Chinese Christmas Celebrations

 

Gradually, Christmas celebrations are becoming more popular in China. Hong Kong is climbing up the ladder fast. One of the major reasons being the tourist influx during this time of the year. Places like Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin and

Liaoning would have Christmas special department stores and various street decorations. An evening mass is also carried out on the Christmas Eve.

 

December 27th is the best time to be in Hong Kong. You can be a part of the Tao festival named “Ta Chiu”. This is the time when the priest takes names of all the people residing in any particular area.

 

Christmas Markets

 

The best Christmas market in China is in Yiwu. It has about 62,000 stalls. You can get all the artificial flowers, soft toys, jewelry, arts and craft pieces, hair and fashion accessories and other Christmas decorative items.

 

Other objects that you can purchase from here are the buckets, chocolate boxes, crystal wares and photograph frames. You can also visit the various Christmas markets in Hongmei Road Pedestrian Street, Hilton Shanghai, and Fenyang Road.

 

Christmas Menu in China

 

Food is an important aspect of every celebration. In China, you can try out the following dishes listed below:-

 

1. Peking Duck
2. Sesame Seed Balls
3. Tea Eggs
4. Walnut Cookies
5. Sweet Red Bean Paste
6. Steamed Sponge Cake
7. Cantonese Roast Duck
8. Five Spice Peanuts
9. Bow Ties
10. Almond Cookies

 

With so many varied festivities, could the famous tradition of reading tea leaves have been a part of Christmas celebrations in China May be it is. Every national festivity or celebrations would have nuances that gains prominence gradually!

Last updated on 14/07/2011