During my recent trip to Bangkok, I was amazed by the Western influence in this city. I spent quite a bit of time studying in a shopping mall where Ronald McDonald greeted visitors with a wai (Asian respectful greeting) and this Christmas display from Starbucks lured visitors inside. Then I went to one of the many large shopping malls where Christmas lights were glowing and Christmas music was playing and throngs of people ate at McDonalds, Sizzler and Burger King. It was before Thanksgiving in America, but since Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Thailand, the"not before Thanksgiving" rule doesn't apply. I was thinking of the irony of listening to songs about snow and the birth of Christ in a tropical, Buddhist country. Then I thought just how sad it was that Christmas is so secularized. It is even celebrated with gift giving in the Communist country with significant Buddhist influence where I currently live. When I commented to my housemates about how strange it seemed, I was told "Christine, Christmas is a secular holiday." Huh? Maybe that is what the world has made it, but it is not a secular holiday. So, I am getting ready to start my Christmas music and I will strive to remember the reason for the season.
3 comments:
Hello, I like the blog.
It is beautiful.
Sorry not write more, but my English is bad writing.
A hug from Portugal
The Ronald McDonald is too much. We are amazed as we travel how much countries have an "interesting" Western influence. Sometimes it is sad to see. I enjoy reading your blog too! Chris K.
Apparently the "not before Thanksgiving" applies in the USA no longer.
*sigh*
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