Western Festivals in China

Many Chinese especially those on the Eastern Seaboard in China who have long contact with the West and Western people are familiar with Western Festivals. No one can have failed to notice the fact that Western festivals are gaining ever-increasing popularity in China. An increasing number of Chinese are fond of celebrating Western festivals today.

Major Western Festivals in China

1. April Fool’s Day

April Fool’s Day, a popular day in the West for playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes, has gradually spread to China. Chinese tricksters happily embrace the April 1st custom. Pranks include tricking people with fake news, scaring them, or sticking signs on people without their knowing that they are wearing it. while it is mainly kids in schools and the younger generation in China playing such games. See more about April Fool’s Day.

2. Saint Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day originated as a Western Christian feast day, which is celebrated annually on February 14. It is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love in Western counties. Nowadays, it is widely celebrated in big cities of China with lots of commercial events. Chinese people will exchange gifts or have a romantic dinner on that day. See more about Saint Valentine’s Day. 

3. Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family. Mother’s Day is becoming more popular in China. Carnations are a very popular Mother’s Day gift and the most sold flowers in relation to the day. Despite originating in the United States, people in China accept the holiday without hesitation because it is in line with the country’s traditional ethics – respect for the elderly and filial piety towards parents. See more about Mother’s Day.

4. Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. In China, there is no official Father’s Day. Some people celebrate on the third Sunday of June, according to the tradition of the United States. In Taiwan, it is now widely observed on August 8. See more about Father’s Day. 

5. Halloween

On the eve of 31 October, many Western countries come alight with the glow of countless jack-o’-lanterns that signify the arrival of Halloween. Foreign influences in China have led to some festivities in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Disney in Hong Kong, for example, holds Halloween-themed parades and activities every year. See more about Halloween.

6. Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day, annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Although traditionally people in China don’t celebrate Thanksgiving Day, nowadays many young men reinterpret the day to be a day for giving thanks to their parents, teachers, friends and other people. See more about Thanksgiving Day.

7. Christmas Day

Christmas has been steadily gaining popularity in mainland China. In these big cities there are Christmas trees, lights and other decorations on the streets and in department stores. Commerciality is the feature of this important annual event. More young people celebrate it and change gifts for each other. Read more about Christmas Day.

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