Why Christmas?
- Ondy Ho
- Dec 24, 2020
- 2 min read
It has been more than 2020 Christmas days and we wonder how people look at this day in Taiwan.
Why is it called Christmas and why people celebrate it?
Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ[...]. The name 'Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life[...]. So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas.
How do people celebrate it?
It is well-known to us that people have a party, go to an event, and/or do Christmas shopping. That is maybe for us secular or non-Christians. In many families, Christmas is about at least some of the items listed:
For Christians, of course, this holiday is almost inherited, pre-installed if you will. The community will have a church event for all and to bring friends. However, what about us non-Christians?
What is Christmas like outside of Christianity?
Actually, they have their own ways to enjoy the same day but interestingly, there was such thing called the Festival of the Ass. In Taiwan, you will see all kinds of Christmas events... Sky is the limit.
A friend recently said this:
"I'm not a Christian. There's nothing to get ready for."
There's a point, yes, but is it a Christian-own holiday or has it turned from a religious event to a cultural one? In modern days, at least to us, Christmas has gradually lost its traditional framework where all can celebrate however they want. As it is a double-edged sword, it is how things are going to be, free from bondage, form bondage again, and repeat.
How will you celebrate this day? Or instead, what are you going to do on the 25th of December in this crazy year of 2020? Perhaps nothing, which is absolutely fine. Or perhaps the phenomenon the day creates in fact gives you a reason to do something with someone.
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