They then head to church at dawn on Christmas morning. Many Christians in the two countries fast for 40 days, in a fast called the Fast of the Prophets). Christmas is called Ledet ( ልደት) in Eritrea or Gena ( ገና) in Ethiopia. Geographical variation Africa įurther information: Christianity in Africa Ethiopia and Eritrea Ĭhristmas Day is a public holiday in Eritrea that is celebrated on January 7 or on 27 Tahsas of the Ethiopian calendar. Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and local cultures. Countries such as Japan, where Christmas is not a public holiday but is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations, and Christmas trees.Ĭhristmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions. Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macau), the Comoros, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, the Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, the Sahrawi Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Taiwan (Republic of China), Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen. Many national governments recognize Christmas as an official public holiday, while others recognize it in a symbolic way but not as an official legal observance. Note: Slovenia does have two days of rest, but the 26th is not a Christmas-related public holiday ( Independence and Unity Day (Slovenia)). Map of countries where Christmas is a formal public holiday either on December 24/25 or January 6/7. Stephen's Day, New Year's, and the Feast of the Epiphany. Along with Easter, Christmas is one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar, and is often closely connected to other holidays at this time of year, such as Advent, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St Nicholas Day, St. The sending and exchange of Christmas card greetings, observance of fasting and special religious observances such as a midnight Mass or Vespers on Christmas Eve, the burning of a Yule log, and the giving and receiving of presents are also common practice. Christmas carols may be sung and stories told about such figures as the Baby Jesus, St Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Christkind or Grandfather Frost. Hong Kong) in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday.Ĭhristmas traditions for many nations include the installing and lighting of Christmas trees, the hanging of Advent wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes, setting out cookies and milk, and the creation of Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion.

The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. Observance of Christmas in various locations around the world

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