Comments on Liu Shinan's column "Improve knowledge of Chinese, other cultures" (China Daily, December 27, 2006)

Having read Mr Liu's recent column, I wanted to state that I heartily agree with him. With the wealth of development in China, Western commercialism can fill the void by encouraging the celebration of non-traditionally Chinese holidays.

You might be interested in knowing that in New York City, besides the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (New York has America's largest Jewish population), and Kwanzaa, which is of recent vintage to give the African-Americans a holiday at this time of year, a Chinese organization recently developed a multi-day show of "Holiday Wonders", with entertainment by Chinese performances so Asians would have their own Christmas period celebrations.

This all goes to show that "competing" festivals are part and parcel of "seasons" here in the United States. And every group must find its own way to celebrate, if it doesn't want to be swamped and at the feet of the festivals of other groups. The West has much to learn from the Chinese culture in terms of values (family togetherness, standards of education) and even practices (diligent work), but that's the China of past decades, not the China that is becoming Westernized today as it gets richer. This knowledge comes from every aspect of Chinese life especially the long history. The Olympics I expect will provide an opportunity to have outsiders learn more of your culture. What things will be emphasized; what things can be learned perhaps as a game; what things will be retained long after that fortnight is over?

Henry E. Nass

New York City

I've been somewhat amazed at how quickly the Chinese latched onto "Christmas" as a way to make more money! But, trust me, they're just following what has happened in the United States. The true meaning of Christmas, as well as Spring Festival, has been lost in the new lust for material wealth.

It's sad for me, an American, to see China going down the same road that America has taken. But, it's a juggernaut that can't be stopped! So, what to do? "Be the change you want to see in the world!" said M. Gandhi!

Hutchison

On China Daily website

I am not a religious man but I do celebrate Christmas every year. This is a time for us to think of others and recognize our many interdependencies by visiting and the giving of gifts. At Christmas, we put culture ritual and its meaning behind us, treat it as a time for family gathering, and pass on the traditions on which family and love are based.

Besides that, many of our neighbors are not Christian either and they celebrate the holiday as well or do it in different ways.

Anonymous

On China Daily website

(China Daily 01/17/2007 page11)