One of the many huge Christmas trees in Seoul |
Koreans enjoying Christmas music at the European Christmas market |
The diversity of Korean culture opens the opportunity for other races to practice their beliefs and cultural values. Christmas is one of those many occasions that believers can freely exercise in this country. For a religious belief that is outside Christianity, Christmas could be a big issue, and even though Christianity is not the main religion here in Korea, people can still celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s face it, regardless of how people commercialized the celebration of Christmas, it will all boils down to the main reason of the festivity and the mentioning of the story of Christ’s birth is inevitable. Although Christmas is not heard of with other Koreans, the main fact that it’s a holiday and some Christmas enigmas like lanterns and lights are tangible during this season, it simply means that the belief is highly acceptable in this Country.
Christians can always celebrate Christmas here in Korea in their traditional singing of holiday hymns that tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christian choir singing Christmas hymns |
They need not to hide or worry because they can sing their heart out to share about Jesus Christ and to emphasize the real meaning of Christmas. Korea understands the sentimental value of this celebration that is why they support Christian and they allow every single believer to express faith through singing and studying the words of God in the Bible. During Christmas season, Christians from different churches usually gather for singing presentation and other activities to develop camaraderie among each others in the spirit of Thanksgiving for the birth of the Savior.
Celebrating Christmas with Christian songs |
Even foreigners here in Korea can enjoy Christmas parties without any discrimination from the locals.
European Christmas music filled the air |
Celebrating Christmas in Korea the Filipino way |
Filipino play parlor games during Christmas party |
The typical way of a Pinoy Christmas is exchanging of gifts, games, music, and food. This is the time of the year when they set aside grudges, problems and other negativities in life to enjoy the celebration. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.
Dancing to the tune of a jolly Christmas tune |
There’s no reason to be Mr. Scrooge here in Korea. If Christmas is something you used to celebrate in your country every December, by all means go out and join Christmas parties and events, sing Christmas songs out loud and greet everybody you meet a “Merry Christmas”, you will never be judged, promise.
How about you? How do people celebrate Christmas in your country? I'd like to know! Share your thoughts on the comment box below.