| Christmas Traditions in Japan |
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| Christmas in Japan is celebrated with people decorating their homes and stores with Christmas trees. Although only a few percentage of Japanese people believe in Christ people still love decorating and enjoying on Christmas. The most important part of the Christmas celebrations in Japan is the exchange of Christmas gifts. | |
Tradition has it in Japan that the Buddhist monk called Hotei-osho acts like Santa Claus. It is believed that he has eyes at the back of his head. That is why children behave as if he is very close to them. It is he who brings Christmas gifts to the children and makes them happy on Christmas.
The people in Japan believe in doing something good to the people on Christmas. They do this by helping people especially in hospitals. They don’t believe Christmas to be a day that is set apart for the family.
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The people in Sunday schools in Japan regard Christmas to be the happiest day of the year. Children on Christmas put on programs, sing Christmas carols and put up dramas that depict the birth of Christ.
The Christian missionaries mark the arrival of Christmas celebrations. Turkey is an important Christmas recipe in Japan. The people in Japan enjoy giving Christmas gifts to family and friends on Christmas.
The Japanese have a community tree decorated with paper lanterns, ornaments, chimes and toys instead of decorating the Christmas trees at home.
The children in Japan exchange folded pieces of paper that symbolize doves, which are a pledge for peace on Christmas.
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