Tradional Vietnamese religions are Buddhism and

the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and

Confucanism. However, during French rule, many

people became Christians.

Christmas is one of the four most important

festivals of the Vietnamese year, htey being the

birthday of Buddha, the new year and the

mid-autumn festival. Although the christians observed

the religious rituals of Christmas.

On Christmas Eve the Christians would attend a

midnight Mass. After Chruch people would return to

their homes for the most important meal the

Christmas supper. The dinner usually consisted of

chicken soup, and wealthier people ate turkey and

Christmas Pudding.

The European customs of Santa Claus and the

Christmas tree were popular and children would leave

their shoes out on Christmas Eve.