Celebrating Christmas in China: A Blend of Culture and Globalization
When “Jingle Bells” is playing non-stop and the festive atmosphere is everywhere in China, it’s hard not to notice that Christmas is in the air. You’ll see many of the same decorations that are common in the West: Christmas trees, “Merry Christmas” banners, colorful lights, and other holiday ornaments. Santa Claus, known as “Shèngdàn Lǎorén” (圣诞老人),
can be seen in shopping malls and on the streets, adding to the festive cheer.
Santa Claus embarks on his magical journey across a starlit snowy landscape in this captivating Christmas image. With a sleigh full of colorful gifts and his faithful reindeer leading the way, this festive scene embodies the spirit and joy of the holiday season. Perfect for adding a touch of Christmas magic to any setting!
Despite all this excitement, it’s important to note that Christmas in China is not celebrated as a religious holiday. It is also not a public holiday, which means that schools and businesses operate as usual. However, the spirit of Christmas has certainly made its way into the hearts of many, especially among the younger generation. For them, it’s an opportunity to enjoy holiday sales, get together with friends, and host Christmas parties. Thanks to the influence of Western culture, Christmas is becoming more and more popular in China.
The Chinese Translation for “Merry Christmas”
To wish someone a “Merry Christmas” in Chinese, you say 圣诞快乐 (shèng dàn kuài lè).
Let’s break down the phrase to understand its meaning:
- 圣 (shèng) means “saint.”
- 诞 (dàn) means “birth.”
- 节 (jié) means “festival” or “holiday.”
Together, 圣诞节 (shèng dàn jié) literally translates to “the birth of a saint holiday,” which is the Chinese word for Christmas.
When you want to add the word for “happy” or “merry” to any holiday in Chinese, simply use 快乐 (kuài lè) after the name of the holiday. This is different from English, where “Happy” or “Merry” comes before the holiday name. So, to wish someone a Merry Christmas, you say 圣诞快乐 (shèng dàn kuài lè).
How Christmas is Celebrated in China
Although most people in China do not celebrate Christmas with religious customs, it is still a time for joy and celebration. Shopping malls and restaurants are filled with Christmas decorations, and many businesses take advantage of the festive season to offer discounts and promotions. The vibrant decorations and festive atmosphere make it a great time for families and friends to go out, take pictures, and enjoy the holiday vibe.
In schools, some teachers use this occasion to introduce students to Western culture and traditions, often by organizing small parties, singing Christmas carols, and exchanging gifts. Despite the lack of religious connotations, the commercial aspect of Christmas is well-embraced, making it a great opportunity for social gatherings.
Popular Christmas Greetings in Chinese
If you want to impress your Chinese friends with your holiday greetings, here are some useful phrases:
- 圣诞快乐，新年好! (shèng dàn kuài lè, xīn nián hǎo!)
- A Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
- 圣诞快乐，恭贺新禧! (shèng dàn kuài lè, gōng hè xīn xǐ!)
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- 献上最诚挚的节日祝福 (xiàn shàng zuì chéng zhì de jié rì zhù fú)
- Best wishes for this holiday season.
- 在圣诞和新年来临之际，祝福你平安、快乐、幸福! (zài shèng dàn hé xīn nián lái lín zhī jì, zhù fú nǐ píng ān, kuài lè, xìng fú)
- Wishing you peace, joy, and happiness during Christmas and the coming year.
These phrases not only express your holiday cheer but also show your appreciation for Chinese culture.
Christmas Songs in Chinese
Christmas songs are widely enjoyed in China, often sung in Mandarin but bringing the same festive joy as their English counterparts. A popular example is the famous “Jingle Bells”, which has two Chinese versions. One closely follows the original lyrics, while the other is a beautiful adaptation titled “Finding Plum Blossom in Snow”, a song that reflects Chinese poetic sensibilities.
Conclusion
Even though Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, its popularity is growing, especially among the younger generations. It’s a time to enjoy the holiday spirit, decorate homes and businesses, and take advantage of festive sales. Learning to say “Merry Christmas” in Chinese and understanding how it is celebrated can help bridge cultural gaps and make the holiday season even more special.
From all of us at Mandarin Zone the best Chinese Language School in Beijing,
我们祝你圣诞节快乐! (Wǒ men zhù nǐ shèng dàn jié kuài lè!) — We wish you a Merry Christmas!
A joyful Christmas scene unfolds as a family of four—two adults and two children—gather around a sparkling tree, exchanging gifts and smiles. Festive decorations and the glow of the fireplace add warmth to the room, making it the perfect setting for holiday memories.
