Holiday Traditions of China

"Merry Christmas"

In China, Christmas is known as Sheng Dan Jieh, which translates to “Holy Birth Festival.” Although only a small percentage of the population is Christian, the holiday is celebrated with enthusiasm in larger cities and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Chinese people have adopted many Western Christmas customs and added their own unique touches to the celebration.

Christmas Decorations and the “Tree of Light”

Homes and public spaces are adorned with festive decorations like evergreen plants, colorful paper chains, and bright posters. One of the most important symbols of the season is the Christmas tree, referred to as the Tree of Light. The tree is typically decorated with paper lanterns, flowers, and red paper chains, which symbolize happiness and good fortune. In addition, families often cut out red paper pagodas to paste on their windows and light up their houses with paper lanterns, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.

Santa Claus in China

In China, Santa Claus is known by several names, including Sheng Dan Lao Ren (Old Christmas Man) and Lan Khoong-Khoong (Nice Old Father). On Christmas Eve, children hang up their muslin stockings, hoping that Santa will fill them with small gifts and treats. Santa’s presence is most visible in major cities, where shopping malls and department stores set up elaborate displays featuring the jolly figure, often dressed in a silk robe instead of his traditional red suit.

Christmas Celebrations in Major Cities

Christmas is mainly celebrated in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, where festive decorations, twinkling lights, garlands, and wreaths adorn shopping centers, restaurants, and public spaces. Many young Chinese people see Christmas as a romantic holiday, similar to Valentine’s Day, and exchange gifts with their loved ones. It’s also common for friends and families to gather for Christmas parties or enjoy a big dinner at a restaurant, savoring both traditional Chinese dishes and Western-style holiday fare.

Christmas in Hong Kong and the Ta Chiu Festival

In Hong Kong, Christmas celebrations blend Western and local customs. In addition to traditional Christmas festivities, people also observe Ta Chiu, a festival of renewal and peace. During Ta Chiu, offerings are made to saints, and community members read aloud the names of everyone living in the area as a way to ensure peace and good fortune for the coming year.

The Tradition of Giving Apples

One unique Christmas tradition that has gained popularity in China is giving apples on Christmas Eve. This custom originated because the Chinese word for Christmas Eve, Ping’an Ye, means “Peaceful Night,” and the Mandarin word for apple is pingguo, which sounds similar to the word for peace. As a result, apples have become a symbol of peace and goodwill, and they are often given as gifts, wrapped in decorative paper, to friends and family during the holiday season.

A Blend of Cultures and Traditions

While Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday, it has been embraced by many people, especially in urban areas, as a time for celebration, generosity, and joy. With its unique mix of Western and Chinese traditions, the holiday season in China is a colorful and festive time, bringing people together to share in the spirit of the season.

Holiday Traditions in China

Video by ChineseClass101.com

Traditional Chinese Holiday Recipes

While Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, many families and friends gather to enjoy delicious meals during the festive season. Some classic Chinese dishes are often served at holiday dinners, blending rich flavors and textures that bring warmth and joy to the table. Here are a few authentic recipes that are perfect for holiday celebrations in China:

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1. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)

Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish that is often enjoyed during special occasions, including holiday celebrations. It features crispy skin and tender meat served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (about 5-6 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 12-16 Chinese pancakes (or thin crepes)
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 4-6 green onions, julienned

Instructions:

1. Rinse the duck and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat and prick the skin all over with a fork (being careful not to puncture the meat).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, five-spice powder, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and salt to make a marinade.
3. Brush the marinade evenly over the duck, ensuring that it is fully coated. Let the duck marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the boiling water over the duck skin to tighten it.
5. Roast the duck for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste with the remaining marinade every 30 minutes.
6. Once cooked, let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving.
7. To serve, carve the duck into thin slices. Spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce on each pancake, add slices of duck, cucumber, and green onion, and roll up the pancake.
8. Enjoy this delicious dish with family and friends!

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2. Sweet and Sour Pork (糖醋里脊)

Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic Chinese dish that features crispy pork pieces tossed in a tangy and sweet sauce. This dish is often served during holiday gatherings and special occasions because of its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for the sauce)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, water, egg, salt, and pepper to form a batter.
2. Dip each piece of pork into the batter, ensuring it is well coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the pork pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and pineapple chunks. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce to make the sweet and sour sauce. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the fried pork pieces to the pan and toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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3. Spring Rolls (春卷)

Spring Rolls are a popular appetizer or snack during festive occasions in China. These crispy rolls are filled with a mixture of vegetables and meat, and are enjoyed with a dipping sauce that adds extra flavor to each bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup cooked shrimp or ground pork (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 package of spring roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Dipping sauce (soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce)

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions, and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. If using, add the cooked shrimp or ground pork and stir until heated through.
3. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
4. Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface and add a spoonful of filling near one corner. Roll the wrapper tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you go. Seal the edge with a dab of water or egg wash.
5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the spring rolls in batches until golden and crispy.
7. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

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4. Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls with Sweet Filling)

Tang Yuan are sweet glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame paste or red bean paste. They are traditionally enjoyed during the Lantern Festival and other festive occasions, symbolizing family togetherness and reunion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
• 1/2 cup black sesame paste or red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups water (for boiling)
• Optional: ginger syrup or sweetened osmanthus flower syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and warm water, kneading until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
2. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball and place a small amount of black sesame paste or red bean paste in the center.
3. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it back into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Gently drop the rice balls into the boiling water.
5. Cook until the rice balls float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve warm in a bowl of ginger syrup or sweetened osmanthus syrup for a delicious dessert.

These recipes bring the authentic flavors of China to your holiday table. Enjoy making and sharing these traditional dishes with your loved ones during the festive season!

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