However, eating apples on Christmas Eve carries an additional symbolic meaning. Let's explore why apples are traditionally associated with this occasion.
December 24th, the eve of Christmas, is known as Christmas Eve in Western cultures. In China, coinciding with the approaching New Year, a gift called the "peace fruit" (平安果) begins circulating quietly among people even before Christmas Eve arrives.
Apples, also called "peace fruits," symbolize tranquility and harmony. The choice of apples stems from their homophonic association with "peace" in Chinese.
While many theories exist about why apples are eaten on Christmas Eve, in recent years they've become a popular gift among young people. Decorated red apples, symbolizing safety and well-being, are exchanged as tokens of goodwill.
1. In Chinese culture, apples carry meanings of peace and good fortune. Gifting an apple conveys wishes for the recipient's safety and well-being. Chinese people also enjoy eating apples during festivals, giving them as presents, or displaying them in fruit platters to enhance the festive atmosphere.
2. The peace fruit symbolizes safety and auspiciousness. When exchanged on Christmas Eve, it carries the transmission of heartfelt blessings.In some Western countries, parents often dress up as Santa Claus and place nuts and apples in children's shoes.
III. Another interpretation holds that the custom of giving apples on Christmas Eve originated in China. Here, apples are often seen as a symbol of lifelong safety. Thus, giving apples at Christmas became a tradition, with receiving one on Christmas Eve signifying the receipt of blessings and a prosperous year ahead.
The custom of giving apples on Christmas Eve is popular in China. Chinese people place great importance on homophones, and the word for apple (ping) sounds the same as the word for peace (ping). Thus, Chinese people associate apples with the auspicious meaning of peace, giving rise to the new custom of giving apples on Christmas Eve.Giving an apple signifies: the giver bestows blessings upon the recipient! Moreover, the apple received on Christmas Eve must be eaten to truly accept the blessing and ensure a safe and peaceful new year!