Christmas is no longer a tradition confined to predominantly Christian countries and communities. It is celebrated around the world by people of many different faiths, who enjoy the festive spirit of a holiday that is both secular and religious.
In Burma, as in many other parts of the world, the streets are busy with people shopping or just taking in some of the holiday cheer. You can see all the familiar icons of the season—Christmas trees, Santa Claus, reindeer. People put strings of rainbow lights on their lone balcony plants, or on a tree in front of their teashop.
Light sculptures of Santa Claus and a Christmas tree in the compound of the US Embassy in Rangoon. (Photo: AP)
Of course, the commercial side of Christmas is also apparent.
“We have a special big sale for Christmas,” said a manager from the Diamond City Shopping Center in Rangoon. “We also hold a free concert on Christmas night.”
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of Christmas involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses.
In Burma, as in many other parts of the world, the streets are busy with people shopping or just taking in some of the holiday cheer. You can see all the familiar icons of the season—Christmas trees, Santa Claus, reindeer. People put strings of rainbow lights on their lone balcony plants, or on a tree in front of their teashop.
Light sculptures of Santa Claus and a Christmas tree in the compound of the US Embassy in Rangoon. (Photo: AP)
Of course, the commercial side of Christmas is also apparent.
“We have a special big sale for Christmas,” said a manager from the Diamond City Shopping Center in Rangoon. “We also hold a free concert on Christmas night.”
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of Christmas involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses.
There are many makeshift shops in Burma called “Merry X'mas,” where consumers can buy cheap Chinese-made ornaments or fake two-foot trees to satisfy their desire to participate in the festivities.
And for those with a bit more money, many supermarkets in Rangoon sell gift baskets for the occasion, each filled with instant coffee mix, teabags, peanuts, crackers and a bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label—all for about 50,000 kyat (US $50).
“We don't have any special Christmas promotions, but our Christmas merchandise is selling like hotcakes,” said an employee of Rangoon's Sein Gay Har Super Center.
Christmas is also a time of friendship and family for many Burmese.
Min Naing, who is a devout Buddhist, told The Irrawaddy: “I always celebrate Christmas with my friends. I will visit my Christian friends and give them presents.”
But as in many parts of the world, Christmas can bring mixed feelings, particularly for those who are not able to share the holidays with their nearest and dearest.
For many Burmese working in foreign countries, Christmas can be a time of homesickness.
“Although there's a lot of light and all the decorations are great, I just miss being at home in Burma with my family at this time of year,” said Mee Mee, who works and lives in Singapore. “I really feel lonely whenever I hear Christmas songs. I'm also sad that I can't exchange gifts with my friends.”
Naw El Phaw, a 16-year-old girl who lives apart from her family, said, “I miss my sisters, friends and family at Christmas. I'm sure my sisters and friends are singing Christmas songs in my home right now, and it makes me sad that I can't join them.”
And for those with a bit more money, many supermarkets in Rangoon sell gift baskets for the occasion, each filled with instant coffee mix, teabags, peanuts, crackers and a bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label—all for about 50,000 kyat (US $50).
“We don't have any special Christmas promotions, but our Christmas merchandise is selling like hotcakes,” said an employee of Rangoon's Sein Gay Har Super Center.
Christmas is also a time of friendship and family for many Burmese.
Min Naing, who is a devout Buddhist, told The Irrawaddy: “I always celebrate Christmas with my friends. I will visit my Christian friends and give them presents.”
But as in many parts of the world, Christmas can bring mixed feelings, particularly for those who are not able to share the holidays with their nearest and dearest.
For many Burmese working in foreign countries, Christmas can be a time of homesickness.
“Although there's a lot of light and all the decorations are great, I just miss being at home in Burma with my family at this time of year,” said Mee Mee, who works and lives in Singapore. “I really feel lonely whenever I hear Christmas songs. I'm also sad that I can't exchange gifts with my friends.”
Naw El Phaw, a 16-year-old girl who lives apart from her family, said, “I miss my sisters, friends and family at Christmas. I'm sure my sisters and friends are singing Christmas songs in my home right now, and it makes me sad that I can't join them.”
No comments:
Post a Comment