Santa rides a camel? How some countries celebrate the holidays
CHRISTMASTIME is upon us. For some people, that means it’s time to break out the gaudy decorations, twinkling lights and holiday shopping lists. For others this is a deeply religious time, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Hanukkah miracle or other festivals. Some Washington Post correspondents share how the holidays are being celebrated where they live. Japan
In Japan, where only 1 per cent of the population identifies as Christian, Christmas is a purely commercial affair. The master of Christmas commercialization here is Kentucky Fried Chicken. Yes, for more than four decades, Japanese families have been tucking into a bucket of fingerlicking goodness from KFC at Christmastime. This year, more than 3.5 million Japanese families are expected to enjoy one of the “Kentucky Christmas” party barrels, which range from the US$32 set of fried chicken to the US$42 version complete with green salad and tiramisu. – Anna Fifield, in Tokyo Lebanon
Christmas is taken seriously in Lebanon - very seriously. Unlike its neighbours, the tiny Arab country has a large, vibrant and confident Christian community that holds especially festive Christmas activities during the holidays. In the Geitawi neighbourhood of Beirut, a predominantly Christian area of the Lebanese capital, religious iconography can be seen on just about every street. – Hugh Naylor, in Beirut Egypt
In Egypt, Santa is called Baba Noel, meaning Father Christmas. Around Cairo, stores and hotels put up Christmas trees and decorations, which are also sold in supermarkets. Many middleand upper-class Muslims view Christmas as a time for festivities and gift giving, especially for their kids.
About 10 per cent of Egypt’s 94 million people are Christians. Most belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, whose Christmas traditions are different than much of the world, including celebrating the holiday on Jan. 7.
The Coptic month leading to Christmas is called Kiahk. Special praise songs are sung by followers before the traditional Sunday service. From Nov 25 to Jan 6, many Christians partake in a special “holy nativity fast,” where they don’t eat any animal products, including chicken, beef and eggs. Coptic Christmas Eve is on Jan 6, when followers attend a special night service. Afterward, they go home and break their fast. The next morning, Orthodox Christmas Day, Christians celebrate in their homes, and people often hand out sweet biscuits known as “kahk” as gifts. – Sudarsan Raghavan, in Cairo India
Christmas celebrations take place primarily along that coast, in the states of Kerala and Goa, as well as in Catholic neighbourhoods of Mumbai such as Bandra. India’s northeastern states are also heavily Christian, and generally Protestant, having been converted by English, Welsh, and US missionaries in the 19th century. In cosmopolitan urban centres like Mumbai, the commercialization of Christmas familiar to those in the West has lately begun in earnest. In December, beggars hawk Santa hats and felt reindeer antlers. Despite a resurgence of Hindu nationalism, it has become more common every year to see these Christmas trinkets for sale at India’s streetlights and in its bazaars. – Max Bearak, in Mumbai