25 December is one of the celebrated date on the calendar of each year in the world, however, not every country celebrate Christmas as big day.
Studies on global holiday practices show that cultural and religious diversity greatly influences the observance of holidays. According to Pew Research, countries with a low percentage of Christians are less likely to celebrate Christmas. Additionally, in secular or religiously restrictive states, Christmas may be celebrated informally or by expatriates but not officially recognized.
In this article we list 6 countries that don’t celebrate Christmas and how they view Christmas.
Countries That Do Not Celebrate Christmas and Reasons
Afghanistan (Asia): The country is predominantly Islamic, and Christmas is not part of Islamic traditions.
Saudi Arabia (Asia): A strict interpretation of Islam governs the country, and non-Islamic religious holidays are not recognized.
North Korea (Asia): The government discourages religious practices, focusing on state atheism and the worship of political leaders.
China (Asia): While Christmas is celebrated in some urban areas for commercial reasons, it is not a recognized public holiday due to the country’s focus on secularism and traditional Chinese festivals.
Somalia (Africa): Islam is the state religion, and the celebration of Christian holidays is restricted.
Bhutan (Asia): Predominantly Buddhist, the culture revolves around Buddhist and local traditions, not Christian holidays.
How their religious and culture view Christmas
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Islamic teachings do not directly address Christmas, as the celebration is specific to Christianity and marks the birth of Jesus Christ (known as ‘Isa’ in Islam). However, Islam has clear guidance on how Muslims should engage with non-Islamic religious practices.
In Islam, Jesus is considered a prophet and messenger of God, not the son of God or part of a divine trinity. His miraculous birth is acknowledged, but it is not celebrated as a holiday.
Many Islamic scholars argue that celebrating Christmas is not permissible for Muslims because it involves religious practices that contradict Islamic teachings, such as the concept of Jesus as divine. Participating in such celebrations might be seen as endorsing these beliefs.
North Korea’s government actively suppresses religious expression to maintain control. Christianity, including the celebration of Christmas, is viewed as a potential threat to the regime’s authority because it encourages allegiance to a higher power beyond the state.
The government promotes a personality cult around its leaders (Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un). This veneration is designed to replace religious worship, creating an environment where devotion to the state and its leaders supersedes any religious beliefs.
Instead of Christmas, the regime emphasizes holidays associated with the Kim family, such as the birth anniversaries of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
In Bhutan, Buddhists generally view Christmas positively, focusing on the values it represents rather than its specific religious aspects. Whether through cultural participation or spiritual alignment with its themes of love and compassion, Christmas is often seen as an opportunity to foster unity and joy. However, Some traditional Buddhists may not celebrate Christmas, focusing instead on their own religious observances, such as Buddha Day or meditation retreats.
Secularism in China, the Chinese government is officially secular, with policies rooted in socialism and atheism. Religion is considered a private matter, and state ideology discourages the promotion of any single faith in public life.
Religious activities, including Christian practices like Christmas, are tightly regulated under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). While religion is not outright banned, it must align with state-approved guidelines to prevent challenges to state authority.
These are the six countries where Christmas Day is hardly to celebrate, if you are celebrate Christmas today, The Updated World wish you a happy Merry Christmas day!!!
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