Translation and Meaning of: クリスマス - kurisumasu

"クリスマス" (kurisumasu) is the Japanese word that refers to the concept of Christmas. The etymology of this expression originates from the English "Christmas," which is a combination of the words "Christ" and "Mass." Thus, the Japanese word is a phonetic adaptation of the Western term, symbolizing the cultural influence that the West exerts on Japan, especially in festivities and celebrations.

The definition of 「クリスマス」 involves not only the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but also the way this event is celebrated worldwide. In Japan, Christmas is seen more as an opportunity for socialization and the celebration of love between couples and friends, unlike the religious focus that prevails in many other countries. In fact, Western traditions such as gift-giving, decorations with lights, and Christmas trees have been widely adopted.

Interesting Facts about Christmas in Japan

Even though most of the Japanese population does not religiously identify with Christianity, the celebration of Christmas stands out as a festive season.
Fast-food chains like KFC have become popular during this time, offering special meals for Christmas.
The exchange of gifts is common, but it often does not happen on December 25th and can be done on other festive dates.
Christmas decorations are widely available, and festival lights are a big attraction in urban areas.

Although "クリスマス" does not have deep roots in traditional Japanese culture, its popularity reflects Japan's ability to incorporate elements from different cultures into its own celebrations. This demonstrates the versatility and curiosity of the Japanese people regarding new traditions and practices, thereby building a uniqueness in contemporary festivities.