Origin and History of Christmas in China
Even though Christmas has a very ancient history, it is completely a new festival for the Chinese. As Christians are a minority in China the Christmas celebration is not so popular like western countries. It was difficult to see the signs of Christmas 20 years ago. In the twenty first century globalization and friendly gesture with foreigners has made the larger cities of China to accept Christmas as part of their society.
Local name: Shèng Dàn
Ways to celeberate Shèng Dàn in China
Although December 25th, is not a legal holiday in China, one percent of Chinese Christians observe Christmas as a private celebration. These people decorate their homes with sparkling electric lights, nativity scenes, ribbons and Christmas trees which they call as ‘trees of light’. The midnight mass on Christmas Eve has slowly grown into a popular catholic celebration. Like other countries exchanging gifts on the celebration day is considered a major part of Christmas. Christmas gifts are considered an ideal way to express the love and care for the dear and near ones. Like the kids in other countries children in China also hang up stockings with the hope of obtaining special gifts from the Chinese Santa called ‘Dun Che Lao Ren’. With the world becoming globalized the festive mood is also seen in the streets, shopping corners and restaurants of big cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai etc.
