The Deep Meaning Of Exchanged Apples That Become Christmas Traditions In China

Illustration of the Christmas tradition in China by exchanging apples (Pexels/Tom Swinnen)

JAKARTA - Christmas celebrations are celebrated in different ways throughout the world. In China, there is also a tradition of giving Christmas gifts in a unique way.

Reported by VOI from The Daily Meal page on Friday, November 13, 2024, considering that the number of Christians in China is relatively small, Christmas celebrations have not become a national holiday. But in the past decade, Christmas's excitement has become a big commercial event for China.

However, Chinese people have created their own traditions during Christmas celebrations. The popular Christmas tradition in China is to exchange apples with fellow Christians or Catholics.

The words 'Christmas Eve' or 'Christmas Eve Eve' in Chinese have the same linguistic relationship as the word 'Apel'. The sentence 'Christmas Eve' is called 'Ping an Ye' which means ' Peaceful Night'.

Meanwhile, the word apple is 'ping guo' which translates into 'the fruit of peace'. Because, the word 'ping' itself means peace. As a result, apples almost get the nickname 'the fruit of peace' or 'the apple of peace' in China.

The tradition of giving apples to Christmas is a way to pray for a safe life for loved ones, who are full of peace and peace.

Apples given in China are not like regular apples that other people might give. Christians and Catholics celebrating Christmas will wrap apples in plastic bags decorated with gold ribbons and gift paper featuring complicated designs.

Sometimes, the design features a Chinese dragon or Santa Claus wearing a butterfly tie or playing a saxophone, but most often with the words "Merry Christmas" printed with gold ink or Christmas messages in Mandarin.

This tradition has gained momentum in the country in just the last decade. Driven by globalization and increasing Christian and Catholic populations. In addition, the younger generation celebrates holidays in their own unique way.

Peace Apples have become very popular among young men as a gift of concern for their girlfriends, adding a sweet touch on Christmas Day and Valentine's. This is also another reason why sudden apples are expensive in China on certain celebratory days.