Christmas Around the World Asia

China Christians in China celebrate by decorating their houses with beautiful paper lanterns. The vast majority of the Chinese people are not Christian, the main winter festival in China the Chinese New Year. An important aspect of the New Year celebration is the worship of ancestors.

Russia In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas wasn't always celebrated. The Orthodox Church also celebrates Advent. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed.

Japan ➢ In Japan there was a god or priest known as Hoteiosho, who closely resembles our Santa Claus. ➢ New Year's Day is the most important day of the whole calendar in Japan. ➢ They decorate their houses with evergreens and mistletoe, and in some homes Christmas carols are sung gaily.

India ➢ Christians in India decorate mango or banana trees at Christmas time. ➢ In some parts of India, small clay oil-burning lamps are used as Christmas decorations. ➢ Churches are decorated with poinsettias and lit with candles for the Christmas Evening service.

Created by McKinlee, Damon, KC, Brooklyn B., and Catherine