How is Chinese Christmas celebrated? The traditional spirit of Advent also reaches the Far East.

In recent years, Chinese Christmas celebrations have experienced a surge in popularity, largely due to the influence of Western culture. During the Christmas season, many households in China decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and various ornaments, similar to the traditions of Western countries.

Interestingly, China also has its version of Santa Claus, known as “Shengdan Laoren” or “Old Christmas Man.”

When is Christmas celebrated in China?

Although Christmas is not a widely recognized religious holiday in China, it is still observed on December 25th, and it has begun to gain traction among younger generations as a commercial holiday.

For instance, young people in China often exchange gifts, attend parties, and enjoy festive meals with their families or friends during the Christmas season. In contrast to Christmas,

Chinese New Year holds much greater significance in the country. This holiday, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a thousand-year-old tradition celebrated throughout China.

The date of Chinese New Year varies each year, ranging from January 21st to February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar.

Each year is associated with a different animal sign of the Chinese horoscope, and it is a time for family reunions, feasting, and exchanging gifts. In summary, while Western Christmas traditions are slowly but surely penetrating Chinese culture, Chinese New Year remains the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in China.

Chinese New Year

Before we return to the classic Christmas, let’s say a few words about the Lunar New Year, which has a very traditional and spiritual meaning for all of China and other parts of Asia.

It is celebrated for 15 days, and during the whole time, it is accompanied by several exciting events, such as parades, ancestor worship, prayers, and dances. So, if we talk about folk customs, they are the order of the day when celebrating these holidays, and the program is varied.

In general, entire holidays are gateways, like cleansing from the old and welcoming the new. People clean households and take out the trash to prepare their homes for the coming season. Then they decorated it with red decorations. It drives away evil spirits, demons, and rattles, the sound of which is heard in all the streets.

Family gatherings are of great importance during this period. Many who live far away from their families travel home using complex transport infrastructure to see loved ones before the holidays. After that, the family sits at the standard table, where they feast and worship their ancestors.

An interesting fact is that if a young man or woman returns home permanently alone and is afraid of being questioned by the parties to their partnership or starting a family, they can hire particular companions who will avoid all assumptions.

Santa? Sheng dan Lao ren!

Now let’s return to the December tradition, which is full of decorations, lights, a pleasant atmosphere, good food, and gifts. You certainly know Santa Claus.

During Christmas celebrations in China, Sheng dan Lao ren, which means – old Christmas man, carries gifts. As in the world, Christmas is a symbol of generosity and goodwill for the Chinese. In many households, children hang stockings on fireplaces and expect a rich offering from their Sheng dan Lao ren.

Sheng dan Lao ren is the father of Christmas, the messenger of good hope, and brings happiness and gifts to people all over the country. Instead of elves and helpers familiar with Santa, Sheng dan Lao ren has sisters who accompany him and help him prepare for Christmas.

His connection with the saxophone, which he plays, is also known.

How is Christmas celebrated in China?

On the contrary, in China, families get together mainly for their Chinese New Year, as already said. They perceive Christmas as an opportunity to celebrate; young couples also express their mutual feelings during this period, and their concept of Christmas is close to Valentine’s Day.

Can you guess what kind of entertainment the Chinese seek at Christmas? Of course, there are dinners with partners and various parties, and karaoke is very popular. Retail chains in China are bursting at the seams. Sales are growing incredibly and a classic shopping marathon is taking place, as we know from our regions.

The basic difference is that the Chinese one is accompanied by discounts rather than the desire to give gifts to loved ones.

The most famous Chinese Christmas tradition

The most popular symbol for Chinese Christmas is the apple. A beautifully wrapped red apple inscribed on the skin promises the recipient love, peace, or happiness. Eating this fruit guarantees a good and safe year.

As mentioned, Christmas is a fun time in China, and it is very common for young people to go on holiday for experiences. Tourism flourishes during this period, so it is not surprising that on holidays, you can meet so many tourists from distant regions, even on Czech streets.

Let’s stop at the decoration. If you have already found a Christmas tree in a Chinese household, it is usually made of plastic and decorated with paper ornaments. It is called the Tree of Light. The family decorates it with lanterns, flowers, and red paper chains that signify good luck.

Cut-out red pagodas then embellish the windows, which would not be too unusual in our conditions, so be inspired by the trends for decorating windows in European homes.

Chinese festive blackboard

China has its own very diverse cuisine. Most of the famous delicacies for celebrations are also served during the Christmas period. Popular dishes include roast pork, chicken dishes, dumplings, rolls, and various soups. However, even in China, they treat themselves to a classic turkey with stuffing for Christmas, i.e., a dish similar to the American one.

Where to go for Christmas in China?

If you are considering going to China to see how they celebrate Christmas there and you want to really enjoy this atmosphere, definitely visit Hong Kong.

This place celebrates Winter Fest throughout Advent, which will completely absorb you with its spectacular decoration. In addition to unprecedented lighting, Christmas trees and fireworks, you can also look forward to the famous harbor light show.

Even though Asia is not inclined to celebrate Christmas and does not belong to it from a religious point of view, it is still clear that the beauty of this season reaches everywhere and can light up the happiness of households all over the world.