By Tyler Francke of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is a beloved tradition for many of the area’s residents and visitors, but for some, like the New Shanghai Circus troupe of “Acrobats of China,” it’s something different — a chance to learn about a new culture.
“We do celebrate Christmas in China,” a female performer, Jaio Jaio, said through an interpreter. “But it’s quite different here.”
According to the interpreter, Geng Zhao, many of the performers have been struck most by the area’s seasonal outdoor decorations, especially the many light displays.
“We think the lights are very beautiful,” she said. “(The performers) like them a lot. They even like to take pictures of them.”
According to the women, one of the biggest differences between Christmas in the two countries is that in China, people are much more likely to go out with friends.
“In China, people like to go out and celebrate during this time of year,” Jaio said. “Here, more people stay at home with their families.”
Christmas is becoming increasingly popular in China, especially with younger generations, Geng said. However, it’s largely celebrated as a secular holiday, according to Geng. Christianity is a minority faith in China, and religious practices are controlled by the government in some parts of the republic. “It’s not that serious,” Geng said of the holiday’s celebration in her home country. Then she added with a laugh, “It’s kind of like people just find an occasion to party.”
The much bigger party in most of the country is the Chinese New Year, which generally occurs about a month after the start of the new year in the United States.
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