How is Christmas celebrated in Japan

For the majority Catholic countries, Christmas is undoubtedly the most important event of the year. In it we celebrate the birth of Jesus in an atmosphere of joy that begins several weeks before December 25, and culminates with the arrival of the Magi on January 6. But of course in the world not all nations could have the same traditions, so when Christmas approaches we often ask how countries of different cultures that are so far away from us will pass through. If you have ever considered how to celebrate Christmas in Japan, in .com we explain it to you.

one

The first thing we must remember is that Japan is not a popularly Christian country, in this nation there is only a small majority that follows this religion, so unlike our countries, in this eastern nation on December 25 is not a holiday but a common work day.

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However, after the Second World War, this popular party all over the world also came to Japan, but with a slightly different touch. Catholic families celebrate it in style, gathered together eating Christmas cake typical of the area and dining together as a family. Handing out gifts is also part of the tradition, although children instead of writing their letter to the kings prefer to write to the bearded Santa Claus.

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But we already know that Catholic families are few, so is there Christmas for the rest of the Japanese? The answer is yes, but with a different touch.

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To begin and as it happens in this side of the world the commercial centers, especially the most tourist ones, decorate of Christmas with the tree, the lights and all the typical atmosphere of the time. While some streets are decorated you should also know that you do not breathe the same atmosphere as in the countries where Christmas is the main party.

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In Japan, Christmas is a purely commercial holiday, like Valentine's Day or any other, some people who can not help feeling infected exchange gifts, however it is something banal, another reason to have fun without an important background, except for the few Catholic families.

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Younger and modern people often go out, meet with friends or family and celebrate, eat, drink and maybe exchange a gift. It is another occasion to have fun.

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The meaning of Christmas in Japan is very different from what we have in countries with a Catholic majority, however you can breathe the atmosphere of party and fun that so characterizes this time.