Diverse Cultural Celebrations on Christmas Island: A Hidden Gem in Australia

Taiwanese backpacker Carlos Yang recounts his delightful experience at a Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) celebration on Christmas Island, where he unexpectedly received an Ang Bao (Red Packet) containing $10, marking his first Eid celebration.

Situated as an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, the remote Christmas Island is renowned for unique traditions, including two public holidays for Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.

As the only non-local to receive a traditional Red Packet during the Hari Raya Festival 2023, Yang cherished the moment and has since kept the envelope as a memento of his time exploring Australia.

With a mix of cultures and languages spoken on the island including Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Min Nan (Fujian dialect), Christmas Island maintains a unique blend reminiscent of its historical ties to Singapore.

Director of Planning, Governance, and Policy for the Shire of Christmas Island, Chris Su, highlights the significance of Eid as a time for cultural celebration and community bonding, welcoming all residents to partake in the festivities.

While known for its rugged beauty and tropical landscapes, Christmas Island also holds a rich history of Chinese settlement dating back to the late 1800s when phosphate mining attracted hundreds of indentured laborers from regions like Fujian and Guangdong.

Darren Wan, a PhD candidate from Cornell University, sheds light on the challenges faced by early Chinese settlers on Christmas Island, recounting discriminatory policies aimed at hindering their acquisition of Australian citizenship.

Despite a complex past, Christmas Island now stands as a peaceful haven, with a small but vibrant community that continues to uphold diverse cultural traditions and practices, fostering a harmonious coexistence among residents.

Residents like Kim Sung, from Taiwan, reflect on the island’s unique way of life, where the high cost of imported groceries has led to innovative solutions like bulk purchasing meat on visits to Perth to save on expenses.

The resilience and cultural richness of Christmas Island serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of its inhabitants, exemplifying a hidden gem within the vast landscape of Australia’s diverse cultural tapestry.