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Christmas in Southeast Asia
- In Philippines, the only country in Asia with Christianity as
its main religion, Christmas celebrations begin nine days before
Christmas. A mass known as Misa de Gallo is held to mark the
beginning of the festival and Biblical story about the birth of
Christ is read at the mass. In the evenings, the Panunuluyan pageant
is held and a couple is chosen to re-enact Joseph and Mary searching
for shelter. Mass is held every hour on Christmas Day so that
everyone can attend it.
Religious services include Pastore or Nativity play that ends with
the star suspended from the church's roof with an invisible wire
that slides down to rest just over the church's Nativity scene. Old
tribal customs such as serenading cumbancheros or strolling
minstrels perform during the holiday season that end with singing
'Maligayang Pasko' to the tune of 'Happy Birthday' song.
- During French rule, many Vietnamese became Christian converts and
thus, Christmas is one of the four most important festivals of
Vietnam. The others are - the birthday of Buddha, the New Year and
the mid-autumn festival. On Christmas Eve, Christians attend the
Midnight Mass and then go back to their homes to enjoy Christmas
supper that usually consists of chicken soup or turkey and Christmas
pudding for the rich. Santa Claus and Christmas tree became popular
with the kids and children leave their shoes outside on Christmas
Eve instead of stockings for Santa Claus.
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