Recently the weather in Saigon has been mildly cold, signaling Christmas – one of the big holidays is around the corner. Christmas atmosphere has filled the streets, shops with pine trees, eye-catching and sparkling decorations. Surely our dear students also wonder how Asian people celebrate Christmas. This article will reveal the secret for us.
- Christmas in Korea
Just like in Vietnam, Christmas is not a public holiday. Despite having day-off, the Korean do not return home to celebrate Christmas. Instead, they spend time relaxing, having fun and shopping. On this occasion, Christmas trees, baubles, lights, bells, etc., which are bright and modern are decorated in the shops. However, very few households in Korea decorate Christmas even though the decorations are not expensive.
Unlike in Vietnam, where we often spend holidays with our families, young Koreans often accompany their sweetheart to ski, shop around and enjoy romantic dinner. The special thing is that they do not eat traditional turkey, Christmas stuffed cakes like in Western countries, but enjoy Korean food. Just imagine it’s snowing outside and what’s better than eating barbecue with your loved one?
- Christmas in Japan
The first fascinating thing is that Japanese people have a tradition of listening to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at Christmas to relax and think about what they have done and failed to do during the year. The second interesting thing is that on this occasion people prefer eating fried chicken to turkey and eating Christmas cake – sponge cake covered with cream, chocolate and fruit. Another interesting thing is that the Christmas tree is not real, but the Japanese people make it from paper cranes and paper fans.
Like Korean youth, Japanese youngsters often date their lovers at Christmas. You can easily see couples holding hands, walking down the street, taking pictures and expressing their affection for each other. Lonely people should not go out on this occasion 😊
- Christmas in China
A special thing is that Christmas is celebrated as Valentine’s Day on February 14. Young people prefer dating their lover to spending time with their family. Traditionally, The Chinese give each other apples wrapped in cellophane, not Christmas Cakes like in Japan or Christmas gifts like in the US. And Santa Claus plays the saxophone, not sitting on a carrier like legend. It’s interesting, isn’t it!
So far you have discovered some fascinations about Christmas in Korea, Japan and China. I hope that this sharing helps broaden your cultural knowledge. Wish you have a warm and peaceful Christmas with your family.
References
https://luhanhvietnam.com.vn/du-lich/thong-tin-le-giang-sinh-o-han-quoc.html
https://dulichnhatban.net/amazing/giang-sinh-o-nhat-ban-151
https://trungtamtiengtrung.edu.vn/blog/bat-mi-4-dieu-thu-vi-trong-le-giang-sinh-o-trung-quoc-1259/.
Phạm Thị Ngoan
