Christmas decorations are a popular sight. Tinsel and lights are hung in dance halls, cafes and pinball parlors. Trees are decorated with small toys, dolls, paper ornaments, gold paper fans and lanterns, wind chimes and small candles. One of the most popular ornaments is the origami swan.
Children have traded thousands of paper birds of peace with young people to show that war will not happen. Many of the people take time to do special things for others. Hospitals are decorated with trees to lift the spirits of the sick. Children sing carols or put on plays about the birth of Jesus for the sick.
Japanese children call Santa "Santa Kurohsu" and he is believed to have eyes in the back of his head so he can watch the children all year long. In Japan there is a priest known as Hoteiosho, who closely relates to Santa Claus. He is thought to be an old man who carries a huge sack.
Christmas in Japan was introduced by the Christian missionaries and for many years the only people who celebrated were the ones who turned to the Christian faith. But now Christmas in Japan is full of meaning. The Japanese like the idea of exchanging gifts. For a few weeks before the day, stores are decorated and a display is put out, just as our western shops have done.
The story of Jesus born in a manager is interesting to little girls of Japan, for they love anything about babies. In the scene of the Nativity, they become familiar with cradles, for Japanese babies never sleep in cradles.
Many western customs for Christmas have been adopted by the Japanese. Besides exchanging gifts they eat turkey on Christmas Day and in some places there are community trees. They decorate with tinsel and mistletoe and in some homes Christmas carols are sung.
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Christmas Carnivals.
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