Christmas Day in Papua New Guinea

Historical Context: Christmas Day in Papua New Guinea reflects a blend of Christian traditions introduced by missionaries during the colonial era, and local customs. Papua New Guinea is a predominantly Christian country, with approximately 96% of the population identifying as Christian as a result of missionary work that began in the late 19th century.

Traditions: On Christmas Day, many Papua New Guineans attend church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The services often include singing Christmas carols both in English and in local languages. Given the cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea, which has over 800 languages, traditions can vary significantly between communities.

Traditional decorations may include local plants and flowers, and nativity scenes are common. In urban areas, more Westernized decorations such as Christmas trees and lights can be seen.

Activities: The day is typically spent with family and friends, sharing meals that may consist of a mix of traditional foods such as pork, rice, and garden vegetables along with more Western-style Christmas dishes. Gift-giving is a part of the celebration but can be less commercialized than in some other countries.

In rural areas, where subsistence living is common, communities might come together to share what they have. Feasting and singing are central to the festivities. In some places, groups may go from house to house performing songs or dances - a practice known as 'koling' or 'sing-sing'.

Overall, Christmas in Papua New Guinea is marked by communal gatherings promoting unity and peace among diverse cultural groups within the country.