What is special about Christmas in Vietnam?
Christmas in Vietnam has gained increasing attention and significance in recent years. It is no longer solely a holiday for Christians but has become a festive occasion celebrated by people of various backgrounds, especially among the younger generation.
The Origin of Christmas
Christmas, also known as the Nativity or Noel, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, as celebrated by the majority of Christian denominations. The Catholic faith was introduced to Vietnam in 1533, and over time, it has become one of the country’s major religions, with a large number of followers.
The first Christmas celebration in Vietnam is believed to have been organized by a woman, Lady Maria Madelena Minh-Duc Vuong Thai Phi, the wife of Lord Nguyen Hoang and mother of Prince Nguyen Phuc Khe. She was a significant figure in spreading Christianity in Vietnam. In 1625, at the age of over 50, she converted to Catholicism in Thuan Hoa, receiving the baptismal name Maria Madelena, under the witness of missionary Francisco di Pina. Her legacy, which included 24 years of evangelizing and spreading the Christian faith, remains a source of inspiration, and her life was documented in the book Minh-Duc Vuong Thai Phi (published in 1957 by historian Pham Dinh Khiem).
Christmas Celebrations in Vietnam Today
In Vietnam today, Christmas is celebrated with various special activities, especially in urban areas. Although the official celebration falls on December 25, many people begin their festivities on the evening of December 24, as per the Jewish tradition, where a new day starts at sunset rather than midnight.
While Christmas has its roots in Christianity, it is no longer exclusively associated with religious observance. The holiday has increasingly been embraced as a cultural event, particularly by younger generations. The music and sounds of Christmas carols fill the streets, and large hotels, shopping malls, and Western-style areas such as “Pho Tay” (the Western Quarter) are especially lively during this time.
Christmas Decorations
One of the most notable aspects of Christmas in Vietnam is the abundance of decorations. Christmas trees, both artificial (made from plastic) and real (often pine trees or pine saplings), can be seen in public spaces, shopping malls, and homes. These trees are adorned with various decorations, such as bells, snowflakes, boots, symbolic gift boxes, and colorful lights, mimicking the Western tradition.
Gift-giving and Christmas Traditions
Christmas Eve, which begins on the evening of December 24 and continues into the next day, is when people exchange gifts, particularly among young couples. Children also look forward to receiving presents from Santa Claus. In addition, Vietnamese Christians prepare for religious ceremonies at churches, where they attend Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
A Growing Cultural Event
In recent years, Christmas has evolved into a broader cultural celebration, widely accepted by the general public, especially among the youth. It has become a time for socializing, parties, and festive gatherings, rather than just a religious observance. The influence of globalization, Western culture, and the growing Christian community in Vietnam have contributed to this transformation.
Thus, Christmas in Vietnam is a time of joy, music, lights, and giving. It is a blend of religious observance, cultural activities, and festive fun, making it a special holiday for many people, regardless of their faith.
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