Read on to have an idea of how some Southeast Asian countries celebrate the Christmas holiday season:

Malaysia:

Christmas is a public holiday in Malaysia, and festivities are observed throughout most of the country even though the main religion is Islam. Urban hubs such as Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley light up with spectacular lights and colorful Christmas decorations, which adorn both private homes and commercial establishments. Decorations are mostly non-religious, such as candy canes, Christmas trees, Christmas ornaments, and an explosion of red, green, white, and gold colors. The festive atmosphere is even more pronounced in shopping malls and hotels, which use this season’s celebrations as a way of attracting even more customers to their establishments. The Christian community observes the four-week period of Advent before Christmas with activities such as choir singing, community outreach programs, Bible readings, and prayer meetings.

Philippines:

As one of the predominantly Catholic/Christian countries in Asia (the other being East Timor), the Philippines observes the Christmas holiday season in a huge way. The Philippine Christmas celebration holds distinction as being the longest in the world, as Christmas carols can be heard as early as September; sometimes the holiday festivities and observance can last until the 9th of January (the Feast of the Black Nazarene). Private homes, shopping malls, and other commercial establishments have been known to start putting up colorful holiday lights and decorations as early as September of October. The “official” start of the holiday season for most Filipinos begin with the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass), which is the devotional series of masses starting at 4 or 5 in the morning for nine days practiced by Roman Catholics and Aglipayans in anticipation of Christmas; the last day of the Simbang Gabi, on Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) – which is usually followed by the traditional Noche Buena feast. Christmas parties and family reunions are common during the Christmas season in the Philippines, and these occasions are marked with an abundance of food, music, and gift-giving.

Thailand:

Although majority of the Thai are Buddhists, they still like to take part in the Christmas celebrations. Christmas is not a holiday in Thailand, so people will still go to work if the 25th of December falls on a weekday. Students will likewise still have to go to school on Christmas day, and will do so with more excitement as they look forward to experiencing the holiday spirit, mostly with Santa Claus giving away treats as the children arrive in the school grounds. In the northeastern part of Thailand, where there are larger Christian communities, homes are decorated with festive lights and Christmas ornaments; parades with giant floats, nativity plays, and Christmas Mass are also observed in this part of the country.

Vietnam:

Christmas is one of the most important festivals in Vietnam, as majority of the Vietnamese became Christians during the French rule. Christmas is celebrated in a huge way, especially in big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where people go into the city center during Christmas Eve to take part in the festivities on the streets. Christians in Vietnam traditionally attend a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and go home to share specially-prepared dinner feasts with their loved ones. The generosity of the Vietnamese shines even brighter during the Christmas season with abundant gift-giving, a tradition that the children look forward to every year with much eagerness.

Singapore:

Orchard Road, the premier shopping belt in Singapore, lights up as early as November every year as part of the preparations for the Christmas celebrations; the festive lights and decorations can also be seen in the Marina Bay area, to be enjoyed until the early part of January. Buildings and malls on Orchard Road are wonderful sights to behold during this season (a public holiday in Singapore), as they compete with one another for the annual Best Dressed Building contest – one can just imagine the spectacular visual feast these buildings will present! The week leading to Christmas is filled with activities such as float parades, stage performances, dioramas, Nativity scenes, musical festivals, and Christmas caroling in various parts of the country. The island of Sentosa has its own abundant Christmas holiday celebration, starting with the whole precinct being lighted up in a synchronized manner in late November.

Indonesia:

Christmas is a national holiday and a popular festival in Indonesia, even though Christianity accounts for only about 8% of the population. Different parts of the country where Christian communities are located have their own traditional Christmas celebrations, including putting up elaborate Christmas decorations and lights to mark this joyous season.

Photos by blogjunkie, rhoelilagan, drburtoni, plusgood, chooyutshing and ToGa Wanderings

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The start of the 1930s saw the economy of Siam suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, and the people viewed the monarch, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), as being too inexperienced and young to handle the numerous problems that the country was experiencing. In June of 1932, a group of military men and intellectuals known as the People’s Party successfully led a bloodless coup, after which the king was presented with an ultimatum and a provisional constitution. The King initially refused, but eventually signed the provisional constitution, which stated that the sovereign power belonged to the people of Siam. While the monarchy was given the authority of directly exercising that power, it ceased to have any say in the composition of any of the government branches, and the royal veto can still be overruled. The monarchy was turned into a constitutional monarchy, but its sacred and inviolable nature was established with this change.

While the absolute monarchy that has ruled for centuries was brought to an end in 1932, the respect and reverence that the people of Thailand have for their King has not been decreased by this change. All Thai charters and constitutions still recognize the King as the Head of State, Upholder of all Religions, Head of the Armed Forces, and inviolable and sacred in his person. The King’s sovereign power comes from the people, and is exercised in three ways: Executive power through the Cabinet, Judicial power through the law courts, and Legislative power through the National Assembly.

Constitution Day is celebrated in a festive way throughout Thailand. Portraits of Thai kings are displayed with reverence and pride throughout the kingdom; private buildings, government offices, and even high-rise buildings are lit with bright lights, and draped with national flags and colorful bunting. Civilian and military parades, along with spectacular fireworks, are included in the festivities of this occasion. Constitution Day is celebrated by the Thai people with gratitude to the King, who selflessly provided them with the chance to take part in the country’s governance.

Photo by Mark Fischer

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Every year on November 30th, Filipinos celebrate the birth anniversary of Andrés Bonifacio, the plebeian revolutionary who led the Philippines’ war for independence against Spanish colonial rule.

For reasons deeply rooted in history, Andrés Bonifacio’s heroic contribution to the revolution is celebrated on his birthday rather than on the day of his death, as in the case of other Philippine heroes who died in the hands of the Spanish. Bonifacio was executed on May 10, 1897 by the orders of a fellow countryman, Emilio Aguinaldo, who considered him a threat to the status quo. A year later in 1898, Aguinaldo went on to become the country’s first president.

Bonifacio in History

Bonifacio was the co-founder of Katipunan (“Highest and Most Honorable Society of the Children of the Country”), a society of patriots whose goal was to win independence from Spain. Together with Teodoro Plata and Ladislao Diwa, Bonifacio founded in secret the Katipunan on July 7, 1892, on the eve that Jose Rizal (Philippines’ national hero whose writings angered the Spanish authorities) was scheduled to be exiled to Dapitan.

To Bonifacio and comrades, Rizal’s exile meant that peaceful and reformist means to achieve independence were no longer an option. They felt that it was time for a more aggressive approach to break free from Spanish rule. Four years later, sometime in late August 1896 (exact date currently under dispute), the revolution broke out.

Bonifacio’s Beginnings

Born on November 30, 1863 in Tondo, Manila, where a shopping mall now stands (Tutuban Commercial Center), Bonifacio was the eldest of six children born to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro. His father was a tailor and his mother worked in a cigarette factory. He was orphaned at 14, and had to quit school to support his five other siblings by selling canes and paper fans and writing posters for business firms.

In his late teens until 1893 when his role in Katipunan forced him to move from place to place, Bonifacio worked in various posts in English and German trading firms as a lawyer, messenger, salesperson, clerk and storekeeper (actual job descriptions may have been lost in translation). Although he did not complete formal education, he was literate enough to read books and journals that inspired him towards the road to revolution.

Bonifacio Day 2012 Ceremonies

This year, November 30 falls on a Friday. Because Bonifacio Day is a public national holiday in the Philippines, a long weekend awaits for Filipino workers. Government offices, financial centers and educational institutions are closed on this day, but commercial centers and tourist areas remain open.

The main celebrations are held in the National Capital Region and smaller ceremonies are held in the provinces. In Caloocan City where a 45-foot Bonifacio Monument stands, the city mayor opens the day’s events with wreath laying and firing of 21-gun salute. The same rites are also carried out beside the Manila City Hall where the Bonifacio Shrine is located. The country’s president, his cabinet and other dignitaries also offer flowers and make commemorative speeches to the founder of Katipunan after local government executives have paid their respects. Bonifacio’s descendants take active part in the ceremonies.

In the place where Bonifacio was born, the celebrations are more festive. The residents of Tondo and tenants of Tutuban Commercial Center gather together in Bonifacio Plaza to offer flowers and prayers to the revolutionary. There are photo and multi-media exhibits that recount the life of the hero, as well as cultural presentations like dance and drama that commemorate his place in Philippine history. A mix of a (national) costume party, fireworks and revelry follow after the formalities are completed.

Andres Bonifacio embodied the aspirations of the poor and marginalized. For this reason, cause-oriented groups who help this segment of the society take to the streets on this day and make their grievances publicly known. The demonstrations can be out of control, but law enforcement agencies are adequately employed to contain any situation.

Photos by his grace and I_Believe_

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The people of Thailand consider the birthday of their king – His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX – as one of the most important events of the year. December 5, the King’s birthday, is a very significant date every year; this day is also celebrated as the country’s Father’s Day, since the people look up to the King as the symbolic father of Thailand. The love and reverence that the Thai people have for the King’s generosity and accomplishments will be seen in the way the whole nation celebrates this auspicious date for their beloved father figure.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has reigned since June 9, 1946 – making him the world’s longest serving head of state, and also the world’s longest reigning current monarch. The King is credited with spearheading the transition of Thailand to democracy during the 1990s; he is also the head of the ruling Royal House of Chakri, and the head of state. Although His Majesty’s power is limited to that of being a symbolic figurehead, he is still much revered and loved by the nation as a whole.

This year, His Majesty’s 85th birthday falls on a Wednesday. As with all of the King’s birthday celebrations for the previous years, it is expected that homes and buildings all across Thailand will be decorated with the national flag, bunting made out mostly of the color yellow, and portraits of His Majesty. The Grand Palace and Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Avenue will be made to look spectacular once more, as thousands of vibrantly-colored marigolds will be used to adorn the streets. An alms-giving ceremony is done in the morning will be followed by day filled with cultural and musical performances at Sanam Luang. Ratchadamnoen Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic for the 5th of December to give the people the opportunity to leisurely walk around, showing their deep admiration and appreciation for the colorful illuminations and displays; closing the road to traffic will also ensure the safety of the pedestrians who wish to look at the portraits of His Majesty without being hurried.

On the evening of the King’s birthday itself, the roads around Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen will remain closed to traffic, in preparation for the thousands of people who will take to the streets as part of the joyous celebration. A candle-lighting ceremony will be witnessed by the whole nation, followed by a breathtaking display of fireworks to add to the festival atmosphere that clearly shows the love, respect, and admiration that the people have for their beloved King.

Photo by tiseb

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How is Awal Muharram Celebrated in Malaysia?

Muslims in Malaysia start the commemoration of a brand-new year with reflections on the year that has passed, and with resolutions and plans on making things even better for the coming year. There are no specific or grand celebrations that are associated with Awal Muharram, unlike the Western New Year’s celebrations that come with colorful fireworks and abundant feasts. Awal Muharram is a day that is spent mostly on thinking of the things that were done during the past year and deciding which of these things should be changed, or can be retained, so that the new year can bring a life that is much better.

Muslims throughout Malaysia will mostly attend religious meetings and various related activities on Awal Muharram. The religious gatherings often consist of reciting verses from the Koran, spiritual singing, and the holding of sermons and special prayers in mosques or public halls.

The Awal Muharram celebration in Malaysia also includes bestowing the Tokoh Maal Hijrah – an award which is given to deserving, eminent individuals who are chosen in recognition of their significant contributions to the Islamic world.

The Awal Muharram History

The celebration of Awal Muharram started with the journey of the Prophet Muhammad on the year 622 AD, from Mecca to Medina. The other term for Awal Muharram, “Maal Hijrah”, means “migration” in English. The Prophet Muhammad’s migration was put into action because of information that there was an assassination plot against him. The plan was for Muhammad to go to a city called Yathrib, which was located around 320 kilometers north of Mecca. It is said that the lengthy journey was completed by Muhammad and his followers in only one night. The city where the journey ended, and where Muhammad and his followers finally migrated to, is now called Medina – renamed by Muhammad himself.

Photo by tinou bao

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As mentioned in Top 5 Festivals of Singapore, there’s a festival known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but what’s coming up is a similar Muslim festival called Hari Raya Haji or Eid al-Adha. This festival of sacrifice lands on the 10th, 11th, and 12th day the Dhul Hijja month, which ends up being 70 days after Ramadan. All three days being a time to remember, eat, drink, and be merry. In 2012, October 26th will mark this special day for practicing Muslims.

Hari Raya Haji celebrates the end of the Hajj, which is the largest annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is a perfect example of the Muslim’s dedication to Allah. And observing the Hari Raya Haji Festival is no exception. The festival begins with prayer offerings at local mosques and then turns into bloody sacrifices. Sheep, cows, camels, and goats are slaughtered as a symbol of the Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his own son’s flesh and blood. It may sound gruesome, but that’s culture for you! After sacrificing the animals, their meat is passed around amongst the Muslim’s, especially to the less fortunate. Now the gruesomeness doesn’t sound so bad, right?

Hari Raya Haji reminds us to share with the community and to give thanks. The best part of the public holiday is enjoying a hearty meal with friends and family. Other traditions include wearing new clothes and giving gifts to children. If you are in Singapore on October 26th, make sure to visit Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam for bazaars, a great vibe, and a better understanding of this Muslim holiday.

Photo by Azhaaarry

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For a third consecutive year, the Samui International Jazz Festival is back to bring smooth jazz beats to Koh Samui. The last two festivals were such hits attracting over 3,000 spectators that this third time is expected to be a charm. With Koh Samui’s vibe and strong tourism, it’s the perfect island to host this event, which will help grow the island’s culture scene. In the distant future, it can possibly put Koh Samui on the map as a connection with other jazz capitals. For 2012, the festival lands on October 14th and continues until October 20th. Seven nights of live beachfront jazz would make almost any jazz aficionado book a flight!

The third Samui International Jazz Festival will feature International and Thai Jazz Musicians with diverse styles all within the tropical jazz theme. Highlighted musicians include, Paulette McWilliams, Alexander Beets, Koh Saxman, and Susan Harmer. With upbeat and tranquil sounds, the music combined with the beach and a cocktail will surely put you in a trance. The venues, Amari Palm Reef, Rocky’s Boutique Resort, The Drink Gallery, Nora Buri Resort & Spa, and Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, provide a perfect environment for the concerts. These resorts will fill up quickly so it’s best to book your accommodation as soon as possible. Tickets for each concert only cost 500 THB (about $16 USD) except for the last two nights when visitors can enjoy the music for free. With that being said, there really is no excuse not to go, even if it’s just for one night!

Photo by gudka

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The countdown clock is ticking…in less than one month the fantastic Formula 1 will take over Marina Bay for the Singapore Grand Prix. Hosted by Singtel, the heart pounding races and lavish parties begin on September 21st and end on September 23rd.

Many claim the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the best Grand Prix’s in the world. “There is nowhere in the world where you can get as close to the cars, and nowhere that puts on such a good show as Singapore. Just standing by the trackside you can see the whites of the driver’s eyes,” quoted Simon Jones, a die hard F1 fan that has traveled the world watching the event.

Not only does the race feature fast and furious cars, but it also features A-list celebrities and top music performances. For 2012, performances by Grammy Award winner, Maroon 5 along with Katy Perry are set to hit the stage. Even the nightclubs of Singapore turn into socialite heaven and host famous international DJ’s. Clearly, Singapore is THE hottest place to be during the second to last weekend in September.

Tickets are selling out fast so it’s best to jump on the opportunity now. They can be purchased via the official Singtel Singapore Grand Prix website. A new ticket option for combination packages started this year and offer the best deal hence why they are selling out like hotcakes! You’ll notice that it’s not such a cheap event, but if you love cars, races, and the good life, it’ll be worth every penny.

Photos by Simon Jones

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Lasting until Sunday, the fiesta hours are from 3pm to 10pm with non stop entertainment and food. On Saturday there will be several competitions such as, a trainee chef cooking competition, a towel folding competition, and a classic bartender competition. Talk about fun!

On Sunday, there will be a flair bartender competition, a DIY cooking competition, the Thailand Champion Bartender Show, and a closing ceremony to end the weekend right. As you can see, the Phuket Seafood Fiesta is more than just seafood.

This video may be long, but worth checking out pieces of it to get a better idea about the festival. In 2011, the festival lasted all month long!

Photo by AutumnAddition

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The festival plays a huge part on worshipping the moon which resulted in the tradition of mooncakes. Considering the Mid Autumn Festival is a time of harvest, many food offerings are made especially with fruit, but nothing says Mid Autumn like the round treat filled with either red bean or lotus seed paste and topped with Chinese characters of harmony or longevity. These mooncakes are considered a delicacy and are shared between friends and family during the festival.

Mooncakes are not the only tradition of this moon rabbit iconed festival. In some parts of China, matchmaking young men and women is common by hosting dances to bring them together. Almost everywhere, a big part of the festival consists of attention catching lanterns, whether flying or standing still, their bright lights and colors entertain all. Burning incense, planting mid-autumn trees, and fire dragon dances are also traditional actions of the Mid Autumn Festival.

The Vietnam version involves lion dancing that occurs in your own home. Lion dancers ring doorbells to gain entry permission. While inside, they dance to bring luck and fortune to the house and are tipped on the way out.

In Singapore, Chinatown becomes ten times more vibrant than it already is with fun bright lanterns and loads of activities. These activities include lantern painting, shopping at the huge bazaar, and watching night performances and festive street light-ups. It’s truly an experience not to be missed whether in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, or another country, the Mid Autumn Festival will have you giving thanks.

Photo by mattk1979

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If you haven’t already heard, the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar begins this month, marking the period of the Holy Ghost. A suspicious time of year, this festival is celebrated by Taoists, Buddhists, and Chinese folk religion believers who believe the gates of hell open during this month resulting in a mixed environment of living and deceased. For 2012 the Ghost Month is  scheduled from August 17th to September 15th while the Ghost Festival lands on August 31st. This is believed to be a cautious time since the ghosts can be hungry from the burdens of hell. Therefore, anything of importance that has a possibility of going wrong such as business deals, air travel, and marriage, are highly avoided for the duration of the Ghost Month.

The living aim to ward off the deceased by using several different methods, which make the holiday interesting to watch if not partaking in it. Incense sticks, candles, and joss paper are burned and food is offered to fill the spirit’s starvation. Even fake money and material goods are burned to reincarnate them to hell for the ghosts to enjoy. Food offerings are kept outdoors to prevent ghosts from entering the homes of the living. It’s common to see altars of offerings outside each home.

Besides the burning and offering traditions, the true entertainment lies in the actual entertainment for the spirits. The Taoist Chinese believe that they should please the ghosts and therefore perform shows while keeping the front row empty. These performances range in variation and are referred to as getai or “stage of songs”. From Chinese Opera to Burlesque to Puppet shows, the Holy Ghost Festival is open for all to enjoy.

While in Singapore, it’s best to check out the festival in areas with high Chinese populations. For example, head to Chinatown, Redhill and/or Geylang. While you may not believe in ghosts, you will be fascinated at the lengths these believers go to. The Holy Ghost Festival is sure to entertain, whether dead or alive!

Photo by kevinpoh

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You must have a strong stomach to just watch what passes you by. As a way to bring luck and show power to their Gods, devotees suffer by extreme acts such as piercing their cheeks with sharp objects or blades, hanging heavy objects from holes in their skin, slicing their tongues, and walking on sharp blades or burning charcoal. These devotees believe that the more pain they endure, the more luck and success they can expect. Cutting ceremonies follow street processions and occur in the temples of Phuket town.

With the pain and mutilation also comes regulation with a list of rules to respect. You must be saying to yourself, “What kind of festival is this?” Put it this way, what might be normal and acceptable in your culture can seem completely bizarre to an outsider. But the real answer is simply dedication to faith. The following are 10 rules to follow if you plan to take part in the oddity of a celebration:

• Bodies must be kept clean during the event
• Kitchen utensils must be cleaned and shall not be used
• White must be worn
• Sex must be abstained from
• Meat should not be eaten
• Menstruating women should not partake in the festival
• Pregnant women should not partake in the festival
• People in mourning should not partake in the festival
• Alcohol must not be consumed
• All must behave mentally and physically

Believe it or not, the festival originated from China. A traveling opera group was appointed to give performances to the Chinese miners of Kathu. During their period of work, the group became very ill and decided to stick to a vegetarian diet while performing religious acts for 9 days. After this time, they became healthier as the sickness magically disappeared.

Apart from the goriness, there is delicious vegetarian meals to be had during the festival. Along Ranong Road are stalls selling salads, curries, fresh squeezed juices, and a whole lot more to fill your appetite. You’ll need the food and beach after everything you will witness!

The Vegetarian Festival is not complete without the loud and smokey closing ceremony. As a final send-off to the Gods, fireworks explode all over the streets. The war-like intensity might cause  anxiety so come prepared with ear plugs for a little help. It’s clearly obvious this event is not for everyone, but can guarantee an interesting experience that you may not see anywhere else in the world. At least there is good food!

Photo by Electrostatico

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