Location: Southeast Asia
Tree Type: Cultural

Traditions:
The Museum’s Thailand tree is decorated with cloth dolls dressed to represent the different cultures found in Thailand. A map of the country and the Thailand national flag also adorn the tree.

In Thailand, 99 percent of the population is Buddhist. Christmas is not considered an official holiday in the country, except by the small number of Christian schools, businesses and churches.

In the larger cities, however, one can now see much evidence of the secular “holiday spirit” in December. Department stores and city streets are adorned with brightly colored artificial pine trees (as large pine trees don’t grow in Thailand), images of Santa Claus and Rudolph, and more. Familiar western carols can be heard in crowded shops. Many Buddhist Thais choose to celebrate Christmastime not as a religious event, but simply as a chance to gather with friends and family and deliver gifts and best wishes for the coming year.