2023 .

Merry Christmas In Chinese: A Guide To Celebrating Christmas In China

Written by Pauline Lafleur Mar 09, 2022 · 3 min read
Merry Christmas In Chinese: A Guide To Celebrating Christmas In China

<strong>Q: Is Christmas a public holiday in China?</strong>

Table of Contents

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!圣诞节快乐! Chinese Mandarin
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!圣诞节快乐! Chinese Mandarin from www.pinterest.com

The Chinese Christmas Tradition

Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, as it is not a predominantly Christian country. However, due to globalization and the influence of Western culture, Christmas has become increasingly popular in China, particularly in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

The Chinese Translation of Merry Christmas

The Chinese translation of Merry Christmas is “圣诞快乐” (shèng dàn kuài lè). The characters “圣诞” (shèng dàn) translate to “holy birth” or “birth of a saint,” while “快乐” (kuài lè) means “happy” or “joyful.”

The Chinese Customs of Celebrating Christmas

In China, Christmas is not a public holiday, so most people still go to work or school on December 25th. However, some Chinese people will still celebrate Christmas in their own way. Some popular customs include: - Decorating Christmas trees: Many shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants will put up Christmas trees to create a festive atmosphere. - Gift-giving: Some Chinese people will exchange gifts with their family, friends, or colleagues. - Eating Christmas dinner: Some Chinese people will have a special meal with their loved ones on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This meal may include Western dishes like roast turkey, ham, or mashed potatoes. - Attending church services: Although Christianity is not the dominant religion in China, some Chinese people may attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

How to Say Merry Christmas in Chinese

If you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Chinese, you can say “圣诞快乐” (shèng dàn kuài lè). You can also write it down on a Christmas card or use it in a text message.

FAQs

Q: Is Christmas a public holiday in China?

A: No, Christmas is not a public holiday in China. However, some companies may give their employees a day off on December 25th.

Q: How do Chinese people decorate for Christmas?

A: Many Chinese people will put up Christmas trees and hang decorations such as lights, ornaments, and tinsel.

Q: What do Chinese people eat for Christmas dinner?

A: Some Chinese people may have a Western-style Christmas dinner with dishes like roast turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and gravy. However, many Chinese people will simply have a regular meal and not eat anything special for Christmas.

Q: Do Chinese people give Christmas gifts?

A: Yes, some Chinese people will exchange gifts with their family, friends, or colleagues. Popular gifts include chocolates, wine, and small toys or gadgets.

Conclusion

Although Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, it has become increasingly popular in recent years. The Chinese translation for Merry Christmas is “圣诞快乐” (shèng dàn kuài lè), and some popular customs include decorating Christmas trees, gift-giving, and eating Christmas dinner. If you are in China during the holiday season, be sure to wish your Chinese friends a Merry Christmas!
Read next