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.
Showing posts with label traditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traditions. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Interesting Facts About Ireland
Ireland is truly a very interesting country with lots of heritage including traditions in music, dance, and history. People around the world even throw Irish themed parties or get irish wedding favors for their wedding guests. But wait, there’s more – here are some very fun facts about Ireland that you probably don’t know.
-Wonder why the sky casts a shade of blue? It was John Tydall, a native of Ireland who is considered to be the first person who was able to scientifically explain why the sky casts such color.
-For emergencies, dial 999 or 112 on your phone when in Ireland. The common 911 is not being used.
-A large field system, considered to be the longest in the world, can be found in the place currently called County Mayo.
-When traveling, be mindful that most Irish banks does not accept certain bills. One in particular bill is the US $100.
-Once called the “Seamroy” it is Ireland’s symbol of the country’s blessed trinity.
-Animal species that are native to Ireland are the infamous hedgehog and also the red fox.
-According to some estimates, around 35% of the population in Australia is considered to be of Irish descent. And in the US, it is said that around 40 million people are said to be of Irish descent as well.
-St. Patrick’s Day is being held during March 17 of each year. At the same time, it is considered the National Day of Ireland as well.
-In all Europe, Ireland was the first to plant potatoes.
-A zoo in Ireland, particularly the one located in Dublin, is considered to be the oldest in Europe.
-While windmills around the world turn counter-clockwise, the windmills found in Ireland turn clockwise – well, as long as they work, right?
-Former American President Andrew Jackson is the only American president that is not born in America. He was born in an immigrant ship with his parent coming from Country Antrim.
Every country is very unique and it is not a surprise to get trivia such as this from even such a small country. It is important that each country keep their own tradition to truly maintain their uniqueness. The different cultures and traditions around the world make the world a very diverse and colorful place.
Ireland is one country worth visiting. The food, hospitality and natural wonders truly abound. It is always a refreshing break to get exposed to different cultures as it is a way to appreciate the beauty of people and learn and understand that we are not that really different from each other – there is just a certain uniqueness when it comes to traditions and customs.
-Wonder why the sky casts a shade of blue? It was John Tydall, a native of Ireland who is considered to be the first person who was able to scientifically explain why the sky casts such color.
-For emergencies, dial 999 or 112 on your phone when in Ireland. The common 911 is not being used.
-A large field system, considered to be the longest in the world, can be found in the place currently called County Mayo.
-When traveling, be mindful that most Irish banks does not accept certain bills. One in particular bill is the US $100.
-Once called the “Seamroy” it is Ireland’s symbol of the country’s blessed trinity.
-Animal species that are native to Ireland are the infamous hedgehog and also the red fox.
-According to some estimates, around 35% of the population in Australia is considered to be of Irish descent. And in the US, it is said that around 40 million people are said to be of Irish descent as well.
-St. Patrick’s Day is being held during March 17 of each year. At the same time, it is considered the National Day of Ireland as well.
-In all Europe, Ireland was the first to plant potatoes.
-A zoo in Ireland, particularly the one located in Dublin, is considered to be the oldest in Europe.
-While windmills around the world turn counter-clockwise, the windmills found in Ireland turn clockwise – well, as long as they work, right?
-Former American President Andrew Jackson is the only American president that is not born in America. He was born in an immigrant ship with his parent coming from Country Antrim.
Every country is very unique and it is not a surprise to get trivia such as this from even such a small country. It is important that each country keep their own tradition to truly maintain their uniqueness. The different cultures and traditions around the world make the world a very diverse and colorful place.
Ireland is one country worth visiting. The food, hospitality and natural wonders truly abound. It is always a refreshing break to get exposed to different cultures as it is a way to appreciate the beauty of people and learn and understand that we are not that really different from each other – there is just a certain uniqueness when it comes to traditions and customs.
Italian Wedding Traditions
Wedding traditions and belief of course vary per country and sometimes even per city or province within that country. While all are interesting, here are some Italian wedding traditions that are both symbolic and interesting at the same time:
- Contrary to western activities such as bridal showers or stag parties, Italians follow a simple ritual the night before the wedding. Italian brides wear something green (maybe a green night gown) as this tradition is believed to bring good fortune to a couple. Green is the color symbol for money and in the saying ‘greener pasture’ which means better and richer future.
- When planning the wedding, the months of August and May is avoided altogether. The month of May is the celebration and veneration of Mary while they generally consider the month of August to be bad luck.
- The bride uses a veil to hide herself from evil spirits (while this is generally applicable in other cultures as well).
- The groom carries a small piece of iron in his pocket called Toc Ferro to prevent the Evil Eye. This Evil Eye is the symbolism that because of their union and happiness together, ‘evil spirits’ and people may grow jealous of the couple. So to prevent this, the Toc Ferro is what Italians believe would work.
- For the wedding favor, the most popular and traditional one is giving away sugar-coated almonds (given in odd numbers) placed in bags called bomboniera (a plastic mesh bag). This is to show the bitter-sweet years ahead of them while the odd number is believed to bring good luck (whether in weddings or in any other occasion).
- At the end of the ceremonies, the couple will throw a glass and the number of pieces it breaks into symbolizes the number of years they will be spending together.
During the toast, everyone wishes for 100 years of togetherness. But before this, it is traditionally the best man who serves the liquor to the guests.
- The bag often called “la borsa” is something the bride carries as some guests may give money as gifts instead and the bride places them in this bag.
- As for honeymoon, Sicily and Capri are just 2 of the most popular honeymoon places in Italy.
Across the world, almost all traditions and customs in weddings or in any other social occasion symbolize or represent something. While it is important to do these customs, remember that we must not solely rely on them, but rather, work on keeping the relationship together.
Respecting tradition, especially if both bride and groom are from the same country, are pivotal when preparing and during the wedding itself. It is both fun, and if it cannot do any harm but rather give the possibility of good things, or good luck, why not give it a try? When planning an Italian wedding, make sure you incorporate is not all, but most of these traditions – Italian decorations, Italian reception food, Italian wedding favors, and Italian traditions to complete an Italian wedding.
- Contrary to western activities such as bridal showers or stag parties, Italians follow a simple ritual the night before the wedding. Italian brides wear something green (maybe a green night gown) as this tradition is believed to bring good fortune to a couple. Green is the color symbol for money and in the saying ‘greener pasture’ which means better and richer future.
- When planning the wedding, the months of August and May is avoided altogether. The month of May is the celebration and veneration of Mary while they generally consider the month of August to be bad luck.
- The bride uses a veil to hide herself from evil spirits (while this is generally applicable in other cultures as well).
- The groom carries a small piece of iron in his pocket called Toc Ferro to prevent the Evil Eye. This Evil Eye is the symbolism that because of their union and happiness together, ‘evil spirits’ and people may grow jealous of the couple. So to prevent this, the Toc Ferro is what Italians believe would work.
- For the wedding favor, the most popular and traditional one is giving away sugar-coated almonds (given in odd numbers) placed in bags called bomboniera (a plastic mesh bag). This is to show the bitter-sweet years ahead of them while the odd number is believed to bring good luck (whether in weddings or in any other occasion).
- At the end of the ceremonies, the couple will throw a glass and the number of pieces it breaks into symbolizes the number of years they will be spending together.
During the toast, everyone wishes for 100 years of togetherness. But before this, it is traditionally the best man who serves the liquor to the guests.
- The bag often called “la borsa” is something the bride carries as some guests may give money as gifts instead and the bride places them in this bag.
- As for honeymoon, Sicily and Capri are just 2 of the most popular honeymoon places in Italy.
Across the world, almost all traditions and customs in weddings or in any other social occasion symbolize or represent something. While it is important to do these customs, remember that we must not solely rely on them, but rather, work on keeping the relationship together.
Respecting tradition, especially if both bride and groom are from the same country, are pivotal when preparing and during the wedding itself. It is both fun, and if it cannot do any harm but rather give the possibility of good things, or good luck, why not give it a try? When planning an Italian wedding, make sure you incorporate is not all, but most of these traditions – Italian decorations, Italian reception food, Italian wedding favors, and Italian traditions to complete an Italian wedding.
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