In a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas, national idol Jackie Chan takes it upon himself to post directions for how to celebrate Christmas on his Web site. Christmas seems largely irrelevant to Chinese people, save the Christmas trees in malls capitalizing on a chance to push people to spend. The church on shopping street Bin Jiang Dao may be overflowing on the 24th, but it's more out of fascination for a strange culture than worship or tradition.This much was obvious. Little did I know Christmas is for lovers.
The 25th is one of the busiest days of the year at Bin Jiang Dao's movie theaters, my friend Liu Xiao Qian told me. Couples will make a quick stop by the Catholic church on the south end of the shopping street, laughingly take pictures in front of the church and Christmas trees flashing the "V" victory sign (or the peace sign as we know it), then catch a movie or some one-on-one time, with the million other young Chinese doing the same thing.
It's like Valentine's Day, Liu said. During our discussion, Liu said people don't identify it with family or religion but more as a holiday you prepare one day in advance for, like Mother's Day or other Hallmark holidays.
From my view, it seems the only people who feel Christmas is important work in the shopping industry. Sure, when you look at it as an excuse to sing songs, decorate and buy something little, why not celebrate. This form of Christmas seems to be getting more popular as more focus and attention is given to commerialism. If this grows more popular, it will certainly change the Christmas spirit world wide.
1 comment:
Such an interesting picture! I've never seen such a picture about chairman mao. In china, it's delicate to do something about his picture. But it's not so serious now, and I find that he is so lovely in your picture!(Rainbow)
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