Christmas in Sri Lanka is celebrated in the true
Lankan style. Although the majority of Sri Lankan population in
Buddhists and Christians make up only 7% of the total population of
the country, Christmas in Sri Lanka is celebration with great
enthusiasm. The first sign of Christmas celebrations in Sri Lanka
dates back to many centuries, when Sri Lanka (Ceylon) was ruled by
Portuguese from 1505 to 1650 AD, followed by the Dutch and the
British who ruled Sri Lanka from 1658 to 1796 and 1815 to 1948,
respectively. Here are some more interesting facts about Christmas
celebrations in Sri Lanka.
Preparations for Christmas in Sri Lanka start several weeks prior
to the festival. The festive sound of firecrackers at the dawn of
December 1st is the first sign of intimation that Christmas in round
the corner. This is the time when every Christian household in the
country performs the first ritualistic task of the festive season.
Christmas spirit can be seen everywhere- from small wayside
boutiques to huge shopping centers during the celebration of
Christmas in Sri Lanka. Christmas tree are beautifully decorated and
lit up in most of the shopping complexes and every Christian
household in the country.
December 25th, the commemoration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ
is equally enjoyed by both the Christians and non-Christians of Sri
Lanka. It is a public holiday on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve,
Christians attend the Midnight Mass held in churches, little Chapels
and Cathedrals all over the country. Christians invite their
non-Christian friends to Christmas parties and get-together. People
in the country find the festival as the perfect time to visit their
relatives, friends, and neighbors to share the seasonal Christmas
cake and wine and enjoy lavish lunch and dinner. This continues
until the Christmas season in Sri Lanka culminates.
