Because Christianity is not native to cultures in Africa, the celebration of
Christmas is not widespread there. European missionaries introduced
Christianity to the continent, so the Christmas celebrations that occur
among Africans resemble Western holiday traditions. However, Africans
generally embellish European celebr
ations
with their own local customs. For example, in Ghana children travel in
groups from house to house, chanting and singing songs that use imagery from
local folklore. If a member of a household rewards them with a gift, the
children sing a song of thanks. In Ghana and other former English colonies
of Africa, children hang their stockings for Father Christmas and carolers
make rounds in the community on Boxing Day.
European traditions have similarly influenced regional holiday customs in areas once colonized by various countries of Europe. For example, in the former French colony of the Republic of the Congo, Catholics dramatize Mary and Joseph�s search for lodging, much as Catholic communities do elsewhere in the world. In Ethiopia, members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas on January 6, following the ancient Roman calendar.
European missionaries
also introduced Christianity to the countries of Asia, but relatively small
numbers of Asians observe such Christian traditions as Christmas
celebrations. Beginning in the early 20th century, increased interest in
Western culture has led many Asians to celebrate the holiday, particularly
in Japan. However, most Asians who observe Christmas celebrate it primarily
as a secular festival. In many countries, businesses welcome the commercial
activity generated by Christmas gift giving, and traditional Western
decorations transform stores during the holiday season.
1. In Japan
Although Portuguese missionaries brought Christianity to Japan in 1549,
popular Christmas customs were not introduced to the country until the
middle of the 19th century. At first, only the wealthier citizens of larger
cities observed Christmas. By the 1920s, however, the holiday had become an
annual festival even in rural areas and among the lower classes. Textbooks
for English-language classes�a compulsory subject in Japanese middle
schools�often featured an essay on Christmas and suggested that holiday gift
giving expressed the Western idea of democracy.
Today Christmas is celebrated throughout Japan. About half of Japanese households hold a family Christmas celebration, even though it is not a legal holiday. Family feasts include a decorated cake and other holiday treats. Children wait for Santa Claus, or Santa Kurōsu ojiisan, to leave gifts next to their pillows. Usually, though, Christmas acts as a prelude to the more important New Year�s festival.
2. In China
Although Christianity
is not officially sanctioned by the Chinese government, a curiosity about
the West and a growing commercial sector in China have led to an increase of
Christmas celebrations in the country. Men dressed as Santa Claus appear in
stores to hand out candy, and waiters in restaurants wear Santa hats. The
relatively small number of Chinese Christians celebrate the holiday by
building artificial trees�called trees of light�and decorating them with
paper chains, flowers, lanterns, and other ornaments. Children hang muslin
stockings in hopes that the mythical figure Dun Che Lao Ren will fill
them with presents.
In December, thousands of Christians from all over the world gather in Bethlehem, the town of Jesus� birth, to witness annual rituals at the Church of the Nativity. On Christmas Eve, a horseman bearing a large cross leads a procession of church members and dignitaries into the church. They continue down steep stairs and enter the Grotto of the Nativity, a long, narrow underground cavern. Carrying an ancient image of the baby Jesus, which they wrap in swaddling clothes, they place the figure in a manger at what is believed to be the actual birthplace of Christ.