Christmas and New Year in China

Chinese Spring Festival

Although the Christmas season has ended in Christendom, it makes such an impact, and is so influential in other parts of the world that it continues in a subterranean sense, to be a subject of interest. It is particularly interesting how, as a religious festival, it has a strong presence in non-Christian and non-Western cultures. It might be surprising to note that this extended presence, influence and ‘season’ continues elsewhere, right into January.

There is no season for cultural studies, and a cultural study of this particular religious festival is perennially rewarding. As a cultural festival, Christmas is the largest, the most popular, the most impactful and influential in the world. It has transcended its religious celebration and has become the world’s primary traditional,