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Though the popular religion is Buddhism and Shinto, the people celebrate Christmas in Japan with equal pomp and show. Initially Christmas was nothing more than a commercial affair and most of the people vested little importance to the event but as time passed Christmas became major event. The joy and the promise of a better tomorrow, gifts and mirth which are characteristic of the Christmas celebrations were addictive indeed! In the month of December when the city lights up and there is a merry din everywhere, it’s a sure signal of the advent of Christmas in Japan.
The celebrations reach the peak on the Christmas Eve and on the Christmas day. Professional Santa Clauses walk the streets impressing residents and tourists. Though you may be in the east, far from the place where Christmas originally belongs to, the flavor of the celebrations are all the same. Children find Christmas in Japan an ideal time to claim gifts and enjoy. But it is an occasion for all and elders too partake in the plenitude that the occasion is synonymous with.
Christmas in Japan specifically has two characteristic customs. The first is the Daiku, or Great Nine, which refers to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It is a custom that is reiterated even on New Years Eve. The symphony spells of joy and harmony and Christmas is the true harbinger of these qualities. The second custom is the tradition of distributing cakes. Nuts, fruits and whole lot of yummy delicacies are used to prepare the special Christmas cake.
Christmas in Japan however, is slightly different in that the Christmas tree is not so much in vogue here. People do decorate their houses and the streets but many are not aware of the significance of the tree and therefore prefer to celebrate it in their own simple way. Christmas is a time of thorough enjoyment, partying and fun that was how people initially defined it. Today people are more conscious of the history and the backdrop of the festival and abide by the customs. Like all other festivals in Japan, Christmas is a popular event too.
travel.mapsofworld.com. provides you with complete online information on all aspects of Christmas in Japan.
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