Christmas Celebrations in China and Hong Kong

Christmas Celebrations in China and Hong Kong
While Christmas Day is not a public holiday, Christmas celebrations are becoming more popular in China itself. Particularly in urban areas, you'll find Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations on the streets and in department stores. Children hang up muslin stockings in the hope that Dun Che Lao Ren, the Chinese version of Santa Claus, will visit and leave gifts. Attendance at Christmas Eve mass has also become more popular in recent years. (A similar trend can be found in Japan, where store owners have discovered the commercial potential of celebrating the Yuletide season.

Ta Chiu, a Taoist festival,takes place on December 27th in Hong Kong. One of the more interesting traditions of this festival comes near the end, when the priests read the names of everyone who lives in the area. When the priest has finished reading the list, the names are attached to a paper horse and burned, the hope being that they will rise to heaven.

Read on to learn more about Christmas celebrations in Asia and try some festive recipes: