Yuletide Customs in the East

The holiday customs in Asia encompass a variety of religious and non-religious rituals practiced by different faiths during the festive season. Only a minimal segment of the population in most Asian countries follows Christianity, and their Yuletide festivities typically involve church gatherings and are sometimes overshadowed by secular New Year revelries. Primarily in Christian missionary-run schools, excluding predominantly Christian Asian nations, do children and their families actively partake in Christmas celebrations.

Christmas in India

Thanks to British influences and mid-academic year breaks, Christmas is a public holiday in India. The influential Western media is gradually promoting secular Christmas festivities and commercial activities. Christmas, referred to as “Badaa Din” (Big Day) in Northern India, is celebrated by many through tree planting.

Christmas in Korea

In South Korea, Yuletide celebrations are recognized as a public holiday. Consequently, some non-Christian Koreans engage in exchanging presents, Christmas cards, and decorating trees, as children love their Grandfather Santa, or Santa Haraboji. After Christmas Eve services, Christians sing carols among their church groups. In Japan, commercial influence is vast, and the Japanese relish in the secular aspects of Christmas, mainly second to New Year’s Day, which is sacred. Christmas in Japan is often a time for couples to exchange gifts and go on special dates, though devout Christians observe it religiously.

Christmas in Muslim Countries

In predominantly Muslim nations, Yuletide traditions are generally absent, except in certain countries where Christians are permitted to celebrate, such as Jordan. In Malaysia, while Christmas is a public holiday, there is an informal ban on Christian religious symbols, rendering the celebration entirely secular.

Christmas in China and Hong Kong

In mainland China and Taiwan, Christmas is a private event (not a public holiday), whereas, in Hong Kong and Macao, December 25th is a public holiday influenced by Western traditions and enhanced by recent commercial ventures into the culture. It is also designated as Constitution Day.

Christmas in the Philippines

The Philippines, influenced by Spanish culture, celebrates the longest Christmas season in Asia. The festive period begins with dawn masses and the official Christmas countdown starts on September 1st, making it the longest Christmas celebration in the world!

The Christmas banquet is held after the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Other winter festivities such as Innocent’s Day and Epiphany are also observed, extending the holiday season until the third or fourth week of January.

Christmas in Japan

Despite Christians being a tiny minority, Christmas is widely observed in Japan. However, the enthusiasm of the Japanese, in general, matches that of believers. Find Out More on our dedicated page:

‘Christmas Celebrations in Japan‘

Learn more about Christmas Around the Globe, or share your knowledge about other Christmas Traditions in Asia in our Forum or the comments below!