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

There should be freedom of religion. However, buying gifts and going to bars to get drunk definitely do not relate to Christmas at all.

I am very sure the Chinese who support the celebration of Christmas do not know the spiritual significance.

They just follow blindly to appear trendy. They want to "belong".

The Phd students do deserve commendation for opposing the behavior of blindly following a trend. Cultural exchange is good but only if the good aspect is adopted.

Anonymous

On China Daily website

I'm Western and I took note of these Beijing students' stance regarding Christmas. It's a pity they used words like "Chinese cultural dominance" because I in fact agree with them that taking on a foreign festival should not be done without a clear understanding of what it involves, and that more could be done to promote the true spirit of Chinese festivals.

Many of my younger Chinese friends have trouble explaining the origins of, for example, the Lantern Festival or the meaning of zongzi and moon cakes.

It's only troubling to me that some might begin thinking there are foreigners out there actively plotting the death of Chinese culture by trying to import and promote Western traditions.

The real problem lies internally with some Chinese people who unthinkingly adopt these customs. I think these students should be careful not to sound xenophobic.

Brain

On China Daily website

(China Daily 01/19/2007 page11)