What Is Saying Merry Christmas In North Korea?
In North Korea, the traditional holiday of Christmas is not celebrated. The country officially follows the Juche ideology, which is a state-sponsored belief system that centers around self-reliance and national sovereignty. This makes all forms of Christian worship illegal. As such, there is no public celebration of Christmas in North Korea.
However, there are some North Koreans who still observe the holiday in private. For example, there is the city of Hyesan that has a small Christian community made up of a few hundred people who still gather for a mass once a year. At this mass, participants are able to say a few words in the Korean language that express their Christmas wishes. This phrase is “Chulbal Hangeul Mansei” which literally translates as “Merry Christmas”.
Choices Of North Korean People On Christmas
While some North Koreans observe Christmas in private, others have adopted alternative celebrations to mark the occasion. For example, the spring celebration of Lunar New Year has become an increasingly popular alternative to Christmas. This event is celebrated on the day of the first full moon after the winter solstice.
The North Korean government also encourages its citizens to observe the Day of the Sun, the country’s most important holiday, which takes place on April 15th. This day commemorates the birthday of Kim Il-sung, North Korea’s first leader and founder of Juche. To celebrate this day, people often fly kites, release balloons, and participate in various other activities.
Christmas Symbols In North Korea
In North Korea, the iconic Christmas tree and other decorations associated with Christmas are not seen. But surprisingly, some North Koreans partake in the Western holiday tradition of gift-giving. On Christmas morning, these North Koreans exchange gifts with family and friends.
More recently, North Koreans have adopted the Christmas symbol of Santa Claus. In North Korea, he is referred to as the “Snowman” or “Grandfather Frost.” This isn’t the same jolly, round-bellied Santa we know from the West, but a thinner and more serious figure who wears a blue overcoat and hat.
North Korea’s Christmas Ban
In North Korea, Christianity is punishable by heavy fines or prison sentences both for individuals practicing in secret, as well as for groups openly practicing the religion. As a result, any mention of Christmas or any religious activities in celebration of it are not tolerated by the government.
The government has imposed restrictions on North Korean citizens in terms of their ability to observe religious holidays, including those of a Christian nature. This has led to North Koreans feeling unable to express any sentiment of joy in their celebration of Christmas.
Harsh Consequences For Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ In North Korea
The consequences of openly celebrating or saying Merry Christmas in North Korea are severe. In North Korea, Christians are monitored and can be jailed for religious practice or suspected dissent, along with their family members. For this reason, North Korean people must be careful if they decide to observe Christmas.
At the same time, it is important to note that many North Koreans do still observe the holiday in secret. While it is not officially celebrated, people who do celebrate are often risking the possibility of government retribution by partaking in the holiday activities.
Tracing The Origin Of North Korea’s Christmas Ban
The origin of North Korea’s Christmas ban lies in the communist Party of China, which looked down upon religion and especially Christianity. In 1949, as the communists began taking control of China, they labeled Christianity an “opiate of the people,” meaning that it served to keep people docile and obedient. As a result, Chinese communists persecuted and banned all forms of religious practice.
In order to control their population, the North Korean government followed suit and imposed a similar ban on religion. This ban was tightened up in the early 2000s, resulting in the government’s strict control over North Koreans’ religious practices, including the celebration of Christmas.
North Koreans Observing Christmas Despite Government Restrictions
Despite the restrictions on sayings of “Merry Christmas” in North Korea, there are still those who choose to practice the holiday openly. The small Christian community of Hyesan gathers for a mass once a year and in some instances, citizens have been known to have Christmas trees and other decorations in their homes.
However, it is important to remember that these individuals are taking a risk by doing this and could potentially face retribution from the North Korean government. But despite the danger, there are still North Koreans who choose to observe the holiday in their own way.
Using Symbols Of Christmas To Show Support
As with many parts of the world, North Koreans have used the traditional Christmas symbols of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree as a way to show solidarity with the country’s persecuted Christian population.
Organizations such as International Christian Concern have taken this route, launching campaigns in which Christmas trees were erected in cities all over the world in support of North Koreans who celebrate the holiday in private. These trees were meant to Represent a show of solidarity with North Korea’s persecuted Christians and offer them a sign of support.
The Signal Of Hope From Christmas For North Koreans
For North Koreans, the holding of mass and a few words of “Merry Christmas” may not change the country’s underlying political climate, but it is a gesture of hope nonetheless. Every year, organizations such as International Christian Concern continue to advocate for religious freedom in North Korea to ensure that citizens are able to observe Christmas without fear of persecution.
In addition, churches have provided financial assistance to North Koreans who practice the holiday in private or have been persecuted for their beliefs. This has helped many North Koreans to feel a sense of connection to the larger Christian community and allowed them the chance to celebrate Christmas in a safe and loving environment.
Christmas Events In South Korea For North Koreans
In recent years, South Korea has hosted Christmas events to reach out to North Koreans and let them know that they are not alone in their struggles. The country created a special Christmas dinner for refugees from the North who live in South Korea and invited them to a festive meal.
This type of outreach is one way that South Koreans can show their solidarity with the North Korean population and remind them that there are people in the world who care about their plight and are willing to stand up for religious freedom in North Korea.
Protestant Aid Organizations Offering Christmas Gifts To North Koreans
There are many aid organizations, both secular and Protestant, working to improve the lives of North Koreans. Several organizations are focused on providing the North Korean population with basic necessities such as food and clothing.
At Christmas, these organizations often send Christmas gifts to North Koreans. These gifts range from toys for children to simple items like soap and toothpaste that can be hard to come by in North Korea. This small gesture can help to make a big difference in the lives of North Koreans who may not otherwise have access to these items.
Political Involvement Of The North Korean Government On Christmas
The North Korean government has made some efforts to show its citizens that Christmas is an important holiday. For example, they have organized events on Christmas day in which people can enjoy a festive meal with friends and family.
Additionally, the North Korean government has recently opened a special website that provides information on Christmas, as well as other religious holidays, and even provides instructions on how to best celebrate them. This serves as an effort to make North Koreans feel less isolated and to let them know that they are not alone in their struggles.
Final Thoughts
For North Koreans, expressions of “Merry Christmas” are still carefully guarded. While many still choose to observe the holiday in private, others have chosen different ways to celebrate the season.
It is important to remember that there is still a small community of North Koreans who practice Christianity in secret, and for those few individuals, simply saying “Merry Christmas” is not only risky, but can also be a sign of solidarity with a persecuted people. Organizations and individuals around the world are taking stands against the Christmas ban in North Korea and it is important that we continue to stand with them in their fight for religious freedom.
