CHRISTMAS Day is a special and sacred day for Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is now celebrated on 25 December every year. In the past, Christmas was celebrated in months such as May, April, and January. It wasn’t until around the year 300 AD that 25 December was officially designated as Christmas Day.
On Christmas Day, people of all ages — men, women, and the elderly — take a break from their work to celebrate with feasts and parties. Christmas carols are sung, and gifts are exchanged among close friends and family. Children believe that Santa Claus brings them presents. Today, Christmas is celebrated not only by Christians but also by people of other religions.
As soon as Christmas is mentioned, Christmas trees and Santa Claus figures are a must. As Christmas Day approaches, it’s common to see Christmas trees and Santa Claus figurines adorning many places. The Christmas tree is always a symbol associated with the Christmas celebration. These days, Christmas trees are often decorated with gifts, lights, and other decorations.
In Myanmar, every individual has the right to freely practice and believe in the religion or faith of their choice. The 2008 Constitution includes provisions regarding religion and faith, along with legal guarantees. It explicitly ensures the right of every citizen to freely practice and adhere to their chosen religion or belief.
The teachings of religion ultimately serve as a path to achieving peace within human society. Religion is also a source of wisdom, promoting peace and harmony. Only through inner peace can humanity experience the tranquillity of society as a whole. While different religions may vary in their practices, the foundation of all religions is love. It is essential to practice patience and forgiveness to foster this unity.
It is well known that people of various ethnicities, religions, and beliefs in Myanmar have lived together in harmony and coexistence. Despite their differences, they have been able to build unity through mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect, guided by their respective religions. Recently, the Head of State emphasized that religious leaders from each faith should encourage their followers to cultivate knowledge, wisdom, and virtuous attitudes to restore internal peace.
All religions in Myanmar contribute to peace and happiness in society. On Christmas Day, people not only from the Christian faith but also from various other religions come together to enjoy joyful and peaceful activities, praying for the restoration and lasting peace in their beloved homeland, Myanmar.
