Superstitions behind Christmas Holiday Decorations

A lot of people still believe in superstitions, while others just follow them because they believe they have nothing to lose. The truth is that some superstitions are truly based in fact while others are just completely illogical. Still, it would be better to know what the superstitions surrounding things are, just in case, right. Perhaps the most surprising things that are wrapped in superstitions are Christmas holiday decorations. Who would have thought that most home decorations are to ward off evil spirits, for example? Below are some more superstitions about Christmas decorations that one should know.

The mistletoe is one of the most popular Christmas holiday decorations and can be found in almost every home. Everyone knows that when they meet under a mistletoe, a kiss should occur. However, what most do not know is that not kissing would give both people bad luck. Mistletoe is also believed as a protection against evil spirits.

Holly leaves and fruits, like mistletoe, are Christmas holiday decorations that are also found almost everywhere. Superstitions surrounding holly includes not bringing them into the house before Christmas or using them to find out who one's future spouse will be. Other Christmas holiday decorations, such as the Christmas tree itself and the lights or candles also have attached superstitions. For example, the Christmas tree should only be decorated once all children have fallen asleep. This seems a truly forgotten superstition as almost all families consider it a tradition to decorate the tree together.

Lights or candles, which are common Christmas holiday decorations, should not be turned on if there are no stars in the sky yet. A candle should also be placed in the window sill before going to sleep during Christmas so that it will invite good luck to the home. Other superstitions that one should know do not involve any decorations, but are as important because they are done only during Christmas. For example, on Christmas eve, every door, window, or opening in the house should be opened so that evil spirits will go out and good luck will enter. On Christmas Eve, the Christmas cake should be eaten before the sun came up and some should be left for the next day.

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Chinese Christmas – How the Chinese Celebrate Christmas

Although Christmas is a Christian celebration, it can be felt all over the world. Sometimes, even people who are not Christians celebrate the occasion, maybe because they believe in the message of hope that Christmas brings. For example, Chinese people celebrate Christmas, even though most of them are Buddhists. However, a Chinese Christmas may be different from the traditional Christmas celebrations made by people from other parts of the world.

Chinese Christmas, for one, is not considered a national holiday in Mainland China because the Christians in China comprise only about 1 percent of the population. The Chinese New Year is still considered the foremost celebration during the winter time. Moreover, during this season, there are many different celebrations that occur all over China and these celebrations sometimes overlap with or overpower the Christmas celebration. In fact, if one lived in China about 20 years ago, they would not find signs of a Chinese Christmas, except for the presence of snow. However, at the present, it would seem that Christmas in China has grown in popularity. Today, if one goes to China during the holiday season, one will find signs of Christmas, such as lights covering buildings and houses, the presence of Christmas trees in malls and other public spaces, and decorations all over the place.

When it comes to traditions such as gift giving, card sending, and the hanging of stockings, more and more Chinese people are beginning to practice them, no matter what religious denomination. Another difference of a Chinese Christmas to those celebrated in other countries includes a different name for Santa Claus and the use of paper ornaments to decorate trees.

For those who are traveling to China who want to experience a Chinese Christmas, the best destinations would be Hong Kong and Macau. In these places, Christmas is a public holiday and one can see that the cities are very festive and well-decorated. Some of the best Christmas decorations, displays, and firework spectacles can be found in these cities. Their preparations for the holiday season rival that of cities such as New York and London and being there can truly be something to remember.

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