As
the festive season approaches, one common tradition in China is to eat apples on Christmas Day. While the correlation between Christmas and apples may seem perplexing to those unfamiliar with the tradition, the practice has an intriguing backstory. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history and meaning behind this renowned custom. The origin of this tradition traces back to the Chinese language, where Christmas Eve is called ‘Ping’an Ye’ (平安夜), which translates to ‘peaceful or quiet night’. The homophonous sound of the word ‘ping’ (苹) means ‘apple’ in Mandarin. Therefore, the practice of eating apples on Christmas Eve derives from puns that are made in Chinese to welcome Christmas. Apples represent the fruit of knowledge and wisdom, and they symbolize knowledge that brings peace and harmony. In the Chinese language, the phonetic sound of 苹 (ping) is very close to the term 平 (ping), which represents peace or harmony. Although the trading of the fruits was limited during the 1960s and 1970s, it resurged in the 1980s due to the introduction of market reforms that led to increased trading among nations. As a result, the consumption of apples increased and became a symbol of the people's desire for peace, stability, and prosperity. Nowadays, it is common for people to exchange apples during this festive season, with the fruit being decorated and packaged in an attractive manner. In addition to the symbolism behind the fruit, the vibrant red color of apples is also associated with Christmas in China. The color red holds a significant place in Chinese culture, where it signifies good luck, wealth, and happiness. Therefore, the combination of the red-colored fruit with the tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Day makes this form of celebration even more exciting. This tradition has attracted much attention in recent years and has spread to other countries around the world. People who live in countries that do not celebrate Christmas are also indulging in this tradition. It is common to see apple-themed packages and decorations in the markets during the Christmas season. This custom reflects the diversity and influence of cultures across the globe. However, there have been controversies surrounding this tradition, with some critics advocating for the consumption of more locally grown fruits. China imported over a million tons of apples in 2019, which led to concerns about carbon emissions and the impact it might have on the local economy. Despite these arguments, the tradition continues to thrive, with people cherishing the meaning behind it. In conclusion, the practice of eating apples on Christmas Day in China is an excellent example of how traditions can be shaped through wordplay and develop new cultural meanings. While some people may view it as just giving or receiving fruits, it carries a deeper meaning of peace, harmony, and prosperity. It represents the shared values and aspirations of people worldwide, and the festive season provides an opportunity to celebrate and share our traditions.