In Vietnam, Christmas Eve is far more important than Christmas Day. Christmas Day isn't even an official holiday and the Vietnamese only think Christmas is for Christians. In Ho Chi Minh City, which is the largest city in Vietnam (it used to be called Saigon) people (esp. young people) like to go into the city center, where there's a Catholic cathedral. The streets are crowded on Christmas eve and the city center cars aren't allowed for the night. People celebrate by throwing confetti, taking pictures and enjoying the Christmas decorations and the lights of large hotels and department stores. Lots of cafes and restaurants are open for the people to enjoy a snack. Not many people in Vietnam proclaim themselves as Christians, but some people like to attend the Midnight Mass services to watch the Nativity plays and listen to Christmas music. Vietnam used to be a French empire and there are many French influences in the Christmas traditions.
All churches, and some Christian homes will have a nativity crib scene or creche. Many Catholic churches have a big scene with nearly life size statutes of Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, and the shepherds and animals. In some areas of Ho Chi Minh City, esp. in Catholic parishes, people have big crib scenes in front of their houses and decorate the whole street, turning it into a Christmas area. Many people go visit those areas. Click on the above link to read the rest of the story.
No comments:
Post a Comment