When we think of Christmas we usually think of Santa Clause, Christmas trees, and presents. However, sometimes we fail to realize that this idea of Christmas is not universal throughout the world. While there are some Christians in China that celebrate Christmas, they do not celebrate in the same ways that Americans would. Many Chinese incorporate traditional Chinese ancestral practices in the incorporation of Christmas.
The typical Christmas tree takes on a whole new look in the Chinese culture. While the incorporation of a Christmas tree is still similar to American Christmas, there ornaments and lighting methods are much more traditional. The Chinese will decorate their trees with homemade ornaments made from paper, like flowers and birds. The lighting on the trees is done by smaller lanterns, with various colored papers.
Home decorations for the Chinese Christmas resemble that of the tree also. Homes are decorated with paper lanterns and lights around Christmas time. Similar to American traditions, the Chinese send out Christmas cards, will adorn nativity scenes in their homes, and will put up poinsettias across their home. Stockings are personalized and filled with gifts and candy for small children throughout their home.
References to Santa Clause are similar to the Americanized Santa Clause in that he is a large, jolly man that is dressed in red with toys in a bag. The story still applies that good children get a visit from Santa the night before Christmas, however there is one small change. The Santa Clause as we call him is known as Dun Che Lao Ren, for the Chinese he is the "Christmas Old Man".
Just as there are traditional gifts to give at Christmas, the Chinese have many gifts that are commonly given over the holiday season. Some of these gifts include:
Lucky money
The Chinese typically give what is known as lucky money to friends, family, and even party hosts as a token of prosperity or a way to say good luck in the coming year. Lucky money looks like real money. However it is fake and is printed on decorative gold or red papers. Lucky money is placed in red envelopes as a method of wrapping and presentation to the recipient.
Oranges and tangerines
It is a tradition for the Chinese to give fragrant fruits like tangerines, oranges, and other citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are said to resemble coins, and therefore a wealth of fortune. These are symbols of good wishes when given as a gift, and should be placed in your home as a demonstration of prosperity.
Decorations that are red
Red is the color of luck, good health, and prosperity in the Chinese culture. For that reason, gifts that are red are commonly exchanged in China as a way to wish good for the recipient in the coming year. Items like red Chinese lanterns, red lights, and red pine boughs are common gifts.
For the Chinese Christmas, there is no shortage of warm wishes and peace to others. A Chinese celebration of Christmas is sure to be a great experience in cultural exchanges and practices. It is also important to note that in America and other countries that some Chinese people may follow or be okay with western gift giving practices. So be sure to ask them or other people they know regarding what their preferences are.
Criss White is an article writer who enjoys other cultures. To learn more about Chinese national holidays, visit the Society section of Dinosauric writer community.
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