Close to 700 million people call Southeast Asia home. Made up of 11 countries, the region boasts hundreds of spoken tongues as well as a number of different religions, of which the largest are Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity.
“Islam is the most widely practiced religion in Southeast Asia comprising 42% of the population, with majorities found in Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is followed by Buddhism. Almost 38% of the world’s Buddhist population is found in Southeast Asia, with Thailand having the largest number."
"Christianity remains a minority in most Southeast Asian countries, except in the Philippines, Vietnam, and East Timor,” Professor Linda Arguelles told Thai PBS World.
Given these demographics, how is Christmas, a yearly Christian tradition, celebrated in most of these countries? Or is it celebrated at all?
Nina Nicolas, an expat’s wife who has lived in several countries in the region, was surprised to discover that Christmas is, indeed, very much celebrated.
Now residing in Vietnam with her husband, and miles away from the predominantly Christian Philippines, from which they both hail, Nina says she never misses the Christmas festivities back home.
“Christmas celebrations outside the Philippines may not be as festive, but we still feel the holiday vibes each year as usual,” she comments.
Nina and her husband had spent Christmases in Thailand and Indonesia, and are now feeling the holiday excitement in Vietnam where her husband is currently assigned.
Christmas in Thailand
While Christmas is not a key celebration in Thailand, primarily a Buddhist country, the holiday spirit can still be easily observed, especially in major cities.
In Bangkok, for instance, major shopping malls are decorated for the occasion. Christmas trees, blinking lights, giant presents, and images of Santa Claus can be seen, complete with festive Christmas tunes that enliven the holiday spirit even more.
“Christmas is not recognized as an official holiday in Thailand. But Buddhism is a very accepting religion, so Christmas celebrations are fine. Certain schools get a holiday break, and some companies, given the large number of foreign expats working in Bangkok, are quite lenient in giving holiday breaks to employees even for just a day or two,” says Imelda Nunez, a teacher in an international school in Bangkok.
Mixed vibes
Vietnam, likewise, embraces Christmas celebrations with much excitement and enthusiasm. During their first Christmas in Vietnam, Nina and her husband were surprised to see that Christmas in Vietnam is a happy mix of both local traditions and western influences.
“Vietnam, by the way, has the 5th largest Christian population in Asia,” Nina says.
“During the Christmas season, shopping malls and department stores in Vietnam are decorated with Christmas lights and symbols, parks are adorned with both Christmas lanterns and traditional ornaments, and it is common to see motorcycle riders dressed up as Santa Claus. Catholic churches celebrate midnight mass on Christmas eve, which is followed by families enjoying
Christmas meals that include local foods such as pho, banh xeo, and bao buns along with western delicacies like turkey, cake, pastries, and pudding,” she adds.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, where only over 19% of the population identify as Christian, the holiday season is the time of the year to indulge in shopping and dining. The country’s famous retail strip – Orchard Road – comes alive during this season with a festive display of lights.
Christmas buffets and menus in restaurants are promoted widely, along with Christmas sales at major stores offering huge discounts.
Even in predominantly Muslim countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, Christmas celebrations are observed and respected.
“In Malaysia, you don’t need to be a Christian to enjoy Christmas and have the holiday spirit in you. Here, you will find Malays, Indians, and Chinese celebrating even with foreign visitors, although Christmas is normally celebrated only on Christmas Eve.
The day of Christmas is often business as usual for many Malaysians, but the festive spirit is not lost at all,” said one local.
In Indonesia, Christmas celebrations are slightly bigger. “While Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, we also have a large population of Christians, which currently stands at close to 30 million,” explains Morris Chalmer, a Christian missionary.
“In regions with a Christian majority, Christmas is celebrated with ceremonies and food. In big cities, shopping malls are decked with lights and Christmas ornaments. Christmas concerts are screened on television,” he added.
However, the biggest Christmas celebrations in Southeast Asia, or even probably in the world, are held in the Philippines. The country also has reportedly the longest Christmas celebration that begins as early as September.
“The Spanish influence is still a big thing in the Philippines, which explains why Christmas is regarded as the biggest celebration of the year,” commented a local.
“Christmas is one of the most popular holidays in the world with reportedly more than two billion people participating globally.
Even in countries with a small Christian population, Christmas is an important celebration. For Christians, it is a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ. For everyone in general, it is the time of the year for showing kindness and goodwill to everyone,” says Professor Arguelles.
