Permit me, dear reader, to pontificate briefly on that last holiday incentive, that is, brightly blazing fires. The lighting of lights in the winter holiday season is indeed a tradition of antiquity. The association of Light and toasty goodness (ie, well-tended fires kept the cave warm and us alive) in the human brain remains with us to the present day. We use phrases like "shed light on", "bring to the light", and "in light of..." to focus our attention as a collective. The Age of Enlightenment saw Reason triumph over reactionary, oppressive and superstitious social and moral ideology. Physical exposure to light is important even to our mental health. For some, winter weather just isn't bright enough -- Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression, is a disorder commonly treated with "bright light therapy", in which sufferers with lower levels of serotonin and dopamine expose their eyes to full-spectrum lights for a few hours each day. Apparently exposure to light helps us block the re-uptake of monoamines like serotonin and dopamine, thus staving off depression.
Regardless of your level of religiosity, many of us choose to celebrate this time of year by decorating our homes and workplaces with plenty of those de-tangled strands of little bulbs known by most as Christmas lights. Plugging in these twinkling bulbs fulfills a tradition of light appreciation that extends back through the ages, with the lighting of fireworks to ward off ghosts in the Chinese tradition, the decorative oil lamps aflame in the temples of Ancient Greece, the importance of the newly-invented candlestick among the first Christians (nice candles were made of beeswax; poorer folk used tallow, which was smoky and smelly), and in more modern times, the traditional Tree Lighting ceremonies that became popular in Western nations in post-WWII 20th century. Inciting our fundamental attraction to the glow of many lights, these common spectacles of illumination bring us together, symbolizing the start of activities, and the remembrance of traditions.
Around the start of December, cities all over the world hold elaborate Tree Lighting ceremonies that organize the community and generate excitement for the Christmas season. The Rockefeller Center (New York City, USA) will hold its 76th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, with the main attraction being the 24 meters (80 feet) tall Norway Spruce Christmas tree. The tree is decorated with over five MILES of lights and a star that sits on the very top. In Washington D.C. in a tradition that began in 1964, two ceremonies are held every year to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree (traditionally lit by the Speaker of the House) and the National Tree (lit by the President and First Lady).
In London's Trafalgar Square, a large Christmas tree over 20 meters (65 feet) tall is installed every year for a Lighting Ceremony that includes the singing of Christmas carols. Since 1947, a Norwegian Spruce tree is given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norwar during World War II. The tree is lit every year by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo. Apparently the tree itself is selected months in advance and dubbed "the queen of the forest" by Norwegian foresters. It is decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion, with vertical strings of lights.
And now you're wondering, what about Shanghai? Where can I go to see pretty Christmas lights and get into the festive mood?
Well, I'm glad you asked.
In recent years, Shanghai has certainly grabbed onto the Christmas spirit (of consumerism, at least) and run with it. Santa and Rudolph the Reindeer heads float cheerily on the doors of most shops, echoing the tradition of putting up images of gods and benevolent spirits on the doorways to keep evil spirits away and bring good luck. Strands of Christmas lights go up everywhere, as do some very creatively decorated Christmas trees. But, I hear you thinking oh-so-sweetly, isn't Christmas about more than just discounts and buying gifts? What about peace, charity, and togetherness?
To their credit, Xintiandi has organized a Christmas event that offers more than just...special offers. Of course, many of the XTD and Corporate Avenue stores and restaurants have special sales and promotions for the Christmas/New Year season, and that is great for gift-buyers, but there are a few other attractions that don't involve the wallet. Of course, the place will be decorated for the season with the rather warm, friendly flair typical of Xintiandi. Throughout the month of December, the atmosphere is going to be lively...worth a trip in the evening hours, I'd say. There will be a series of staged performances featuring: a dance troupe doing the "Winter Boogie", a Children's Christmas Choir singing carols in cute little-kid voices, the interest-piqueing "Heir of Insanity" act, performed entirely inside a bubble four meters (13 feet) wide, and even a Christmas play entitled "Come Home for Christmas". A Magician and an Accordian Player will be roaming throughout XTD performing for passers-by as well.
In the spirit of giving, a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of selected products from Xintiandi or Corporate Avenue shops and restaurants will go to the Shanghai Youth Development Foundation to help children in need (Dec. 1-28).
Dates:
Holiday Sales: Most sales are running from December 1st into the New Year.
- Winter Boogie -- December 5-7 [19:30-20:00, 21:00-21:30]
- Children's Christmas Choir -- Dec. 12-14 [19:30-20:00, 21:00-21:30]
- Heir of Insanity -- Dec. 19-21 [19:30-20:00, 21:00-21:30]
- Play, "Come Home for Christmas" -- Dec. 24-28, [19:30-20:00, 21:00-21:30]
It's nice to see a bit of effort put into celebration for the sake of celebration, at least. Here's to a winter season that lights up our eyes. Cheers!
For more information, please visit their website:
http://www.xintiandi.com/english/events_new.asp.
As Winter approaches the northern hemisphere, the days grow shorter and colder, and folks begin to hunker down and wait for spring. Warm clothes, warm food and a snuggly bed take priority as the playful activities of summer and autumn fade. The days grow shorter, and lethargy sets in. Enter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Spring Festival! Aye, what better than feasts, warmed alcohol, presents and bright fires of the winter holidays to drag us out of our waking hibernation and gather us together.
