Written by Bo Sun
CURATED BY THE FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM
Photos and images created by or reposted from the mentioned websites or individuals

A growing trend toward the use of Chinese culture in Christmas décor and design has inspired modern designers to create holiday-themed products that connect with the past. Modern design has the ability to revitalize existing cultural elements, connecting today’s dialogue with the past. This article introduces some interesting designs and products of Christmas that are inspired by or employ Chinese cultural elements, preserving and in some ways, innovating using heritage through design.

Chinoiserie Christmas
Design: Matthew Metcalfe-Bees / Pender & Peony / PIZZAZZERIE

Rather than sticking with the traditional red and green, why not give your Christmas décor some Chinese-inspired flair? Decorative blue-white and floral patterned vases and lanterns will add some uniqueness to your one-of-a-kind holiday decorations, for families looking to add some cultural heritage to the festivities!

Jesus in Chinese Silk Painting
Design: Unknown Chinese Artist

The image of Jesus and Christian symbols are sometimes depicted in Chinese-style silk paintings and occasionally sold at Christian shops today. It is considered rare, since Christian views were not traditionally depicted in Chinese Art. It is more common to see imagery of Buddhism and mythological characters from ancient times. Chinese-style silk paintings of Jesus have become popular among Christians in China, which is a very small ratio of the population. These paintings portray the world of the Bible as it might have appeared to the upper classes of China. Since it was considered undignified to portray important persons in squalid or humiliating situations, these aspects of gospel stories are often underplayed.

Winking Santa T-shirt
Design: funnytshirtemp

Wear this Chinese Santa Claus T-Shirt to add a hint of humour to your Christmas celebrations. This funny t-shirt features Chinese Santa Claus winking and saying "Merry Christmas" in Chinese characters, which will surely make you stand out among all other Christmas enthusiasts.

Santa Guan Figure
Design: Tik Ka From East x Mighty Jaxx

East meets West in the work of artist Tik Ka from East. This glorious little ornament sculpture reminds us of both the loyalty of Guan Yu and the kindness of Santa Claus, both iconic characters in childhood stories and mythology.

Hong Kong Inspired Hanging Ornaments
Design : Lion Rock Press

A Hong Kong lifestyle with Western touches is the approach behind Lion Rock Press's Christmas decorations. Wouldn't it be fun to add some Chinese elements to your Christmas tree? Featured here are a dim sum bamboo steamers, the traditional Chinese Lion costume and a Hong Kong wreath. A double-decker, which is a very common mode of transportation in Hong Kong, and Chinese house to decorate your Christmas tree.

Add More Chinese Elements to Your Christmas Tree
Design : Old World Christmas

We also spotted more Chinese-Styled inspired Christmas ornaments: Mahjong tiles, Lucky Red envelopes, American Chinese cuisine represented by takeout boxes and Ceramic teapots.

Mahjong is a game of skill, intelligence, calculation and luck. The game has been adapted for computerized single player games that have entertained millions of people.

Delicious and slightly exotic, American Chinese cuisine is extremely popular in the United States. In fact, there are nearly three times as many Chinese restaurants in the U.S. as there are McDonalds! Instantly recognizable, uniquely shaped and printed boxes are often used for Chinese takeout.

A lucky red envelope with money is given to friends and family. The specialized red envelope is given to symbolize good wishes at the new year and special occasions such as weddings, graduations and the birth of a new baby.

The teapot was derived from ceramic kettles and wine pots made of bronze and other metals in the Chinese culture for thousands of years.

All of these examples are fun and bridge across heritage with Christmas festivities for many families looking for personally meaningful décor.

Combination of Chinese Mythology and Christmas
Design : Unknown Artist from Weibo

The theme of this set of design is the combination of Christmas and Chinese legends. The red colour symbolizes Chinese New Year and also Christmas, so it looks unique but works well together to celebrate both the Western and Chinese Holidays! The aesthetic is both eclectic and fresh, with unique combination and style.

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