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South East Asia
 

Indonesia

Indonesia is today the world's fourth most populous country with about 210 million inhabitants with the Christian population constituting probably less than 10 percent of the total. Christmas, however, is well celebrated here. In some areas like, Central Jaya (especially in the tourist city of Yogyakarta) and Bali (where Hindu community constitute the vast majority of the Balinese), you will sometimes find the uniqueness of the local culture being mixed with traditional Christmas celebrations. This blend is a symbol of respect to both the local Indonesian culture and Christianity.

In Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, the largest and oldest Cathedral in the country is located back to back with the largest Mosque. A unique tradition during Christmas season exists in which the Muslim community helps prepare for the celebration indirectly by preparing some parking space in the surrounding area that belongs to the mosque. At the other time, during the Muslim 'Hari Raya', the people from the Christian church help prepare parking spaces for the Muslim celebration. In Jakarta, parking space is something in constant demand and not simply affordable.

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Thailand

Thailand is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma. Less than 1% of the population is Christian. There are small churches is some of the large cities where there is a Christmas observance, but the Christians in Thailand don't put up outside decorations or splurge on shopping for gifts.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong christians of most denominations celebrate Christmas with hundreds of church services in Chinese. There are also services held in English for the europeans.

They send Christmas cards. many of these cards are exquisitely decorated to show the artistic side of the people who might be gifted. These cards consist of the Holy Family in a chinese setting. Poinsettias anf Nativity scenes decorate homes, churches and other public places and ideographs show the chinese alphabet on streamers and paper chains. Santa Claus also known as Lan Khoong or Dun Che Lao Ren with his reindeer, are a surprising addition to the Far Eastern Scene.

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Papua New Guinea

Christmas is celebrated in much the same way as in Australia. However, for many villagers in the more remote areas, Christmas passes as just another day.

 

Vietnam

Traditional Vietnamese religions are Buddhism and the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism. However, during French rule, many people became Christians.

Christmas is one of the four most important festivals of the Vietnamese year, they being the birthday of Buddha, the New Year and the mid-autumn festival. Although the Christians observed the religious rituals of Christmas.

On Christmas Eve the Christians would attend a midnight Mass. After Church people would return to their homes for the most important meal the Christmas supper. The dinner usually consisted of chicken soup, and wealthier people ate turkey and Christmas Pudding.

The European customs of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree were popular and children would leave their shoes out on Christmas Eve.

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Philippines 

The only Asian nation in which Christianity is the religion chosen by the people. Christmas celebrations start nine days before Christmas with a mass known as Misa de Gallo. At this mass the story behind the birth of Christ is read from the Bible.

The Panunuluyan pageant is held each Eve. A couple is chosen to reenact Joseph and Mary's search for shelter.

Mass is held hourly on Christmas Day so that everyone can attend. Religious services include pastore, or play, based on myth of the birth of the Christ Child. The pastore closes with a star from the upper part of the church sliding down a wire and coming to rest over the church's Nativity scene.

Christmas celebrations may have evolved from old tribal customs mixed with other influences. Serenading cumbancheros, or strolling minstrels, end their performances by singing Maligayang Pasko to the tune of "Happy Birthday".

Christmas lights decorated in Singapore

A shopping arcade in Singapore decked in Christmas Lights

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