China Christmas Traditions

China does not have a major Christian population. The Chinese people celebrate Christmas along with its common traditions. China Christmas traditions like, Christmas tree decoration, wearing new clothes, spending time with family and friends and decorating the house are followed through out the country.

Christmas traditions in China:

Chinese love to celebrate this Christian festival, which they also refer to as Sheng Dan Jieh or the Holy Birth Festival. Chinese people participate in various Christmas traditions, some of which are given below:

 

 

Tradition of Dun Che Lao Ren in China:

 

Dun Che Lao Ren is a favorite Christmas tradition that children usually love. In this tradition, children hang their stockings and expect the “Christmas Old Man”to fill it with gifts for them. Santa Claus in China is also known as Lan Khoong-Khoong, which means “Nice Old Father”.

 

Exchanging Gifts in China:

 

Exchanging expensive and token gifts is mainly a part of the Chinese New Year tradition. With the festival of Christmas as the forerunner of the Chinese New Year celebration, this gift exchanging customs begins much before the New Year. Gifts are given to near and dear ones, even during the Christmas celebrations in China.

 

Christmas tree decoration in China:

 

“Tree of Lights” is one of the most important Christmas traditions in China.

The Christmas tree is decorated with various colored lights and displayed at public places of the country. Even families love to decorate the Christmas trees with various dí©cor items like, stars, candy canes, ribbons, wreaths and toys. “Tree of Lights” is indeed one of the most awaited traditions, which Chinese people love to be a part of. The Christmas tree is also adorned with beautiful lanterns, red paper made chains, plastic lights and Santa Claus idols.

 

First New Year Celebrations in China:

 

With Christmas, preparations for first New Year celebrations also begin. The tradition of exchanging gifts is continued during the first New Year celebrations. Wearing new clothes and spending family time is very much a part of the Chinese tradition.

 

Christmas decorations in China:

 

Decorating homes and surroundings are an important Christmas tradition followed in China. People love to decorate their house with colorful dí©cor items like, bells, crystal toys, plastic toys, paper and lanterns. The windows of the house are decorated with red pagodas.

 

Apart from the usual Christmas traditions, Chinese people also indulge in festive parties and other entertainment shows. Annually the festival is celebrated with grand firework shows, jugglery and acrobatic programs, concerts, and game shows. Indulging in grand feasts is more like a Christmas tradition these days, followed by the Chinese people as a part of the celebration.

 

Some of the important cities of China such as, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing are decorated in the theme of China.

 

The various China Christmas traditions like lighting candles, exchanging gifts and Christmas tree decorations make the country an attraction to its tourists during the winters. People love to participate in these and enjoy the festival to the fullest.

Last updated on 13/07/2011