In the heart of Bangkok, far from the snow-covered landscapes often associated with Christmas, a small community is preparing for a festive celebration. It is a melting pot of cultures, a place where the essence of Christmas – a time of togetherness, peace and joy – is universal, despite the diverse backgrounds of its inhabitants.
The story starts with Somchai, a Thai man who has lived in Bangkok for many years. He is fascinated by the rich history of Christmas and enjoys sharing his knowledge with his neighbors. On a warm December evening, as the city is bathed in the light of colorful lanterns, a small group of people gather around Somchai. They listen intently as he talks about the origins of Christmas, a celebration that goes far back in time, far beyond its Christian roots.
“Christmas has not always been a purely Christian festival,” Somchai begins. “It has similarities with the Yule festival of the Germans, celebrated around the shortest day of the year. They honored the return of light and the hope of a fruitful future.” The listeners nod, some impressed by the parallels with their own Thai festivals, which also often celebrate light and hope.
Somchai continues the story of the Roman Saturnalia, a festival of freedom and joy, and draws parallels with modern Christmas. “These ancient traditions echo in our contemporary celebrations,” he explains, pointing to the decorated streets and houses.
As the group listens, Somchai brings them to the story of Jesus' birth, a story of humility and love. He shares the various theories about Jesus' actual birth date, leading to fascinated conversations about the mysteries of history.
The discussion then turns to the meaning of the second day of Christmas. Somchai talks about the evolution of this day, from a period with several Christmas days in the Netherlands to the modern Boxing Day in the United Kingdom. “It's interesting how a day that was once dedicated to charity is now often associated with shopping and sports,” he notes.
As the evening progresses, attendees exchange stories about their own traditions and how they intersect with the Christmas celebration. Some share stories about Sinterklaas and Santa Claus, others about the light festivals in Thailand.
This unique gathering in Bangkok, where people from different backgrounds come together to share, learn and celebrate, embodies the true spirit of Christmas. It is a time when cultures merge, stories are shared, and the universal message of hope and joy is felt across cultural boundaries.
It just depends on what you are used to and grew up in, the Australian is used to December 21st, the longest day and high summer, Christmas is BBQing on/at the beach, we “northerners”, dark early, short days, indoors at the stove, dreaming of a white christmas.
The first time I was in Thailand for Christmas I experienced this as very strange, CHRISTMAS and walking outside dressed in shorts, T-shirt, sandals and sweats, bizarrely strange.
And then seeing Christmas decorations among a Buddhist people who hardly or don't even know what Christmas means or means.
These are all contradictions that, as a Dutchman, I had to learn to deal with and accommodate
Gr. Arno