Why Don't the Saiyans Celebrate Christmas in Dragon Ball?

First and foremost, Saiyans are aliens from the planet Vegeta. The celebration of Christmas is centered around the birth of Jesus Christ, who is considered the son of God. However, in the Dragon Ball universe, the existence of a universal God is questionable. This naturally raises the question of whether or not Saiyans, given their alien nature, would find the celebration of Christmas relevant or meaningful.

Aliens and the Religious Landscape

Dragon Ball, as a series that originated in Japan, doesn't emphasize Christianity as the default religion for its characters. This is evident from the reference to Krillin, who seems to have Buddhist leanings, trained by monks. Shugensha Upa, who defeats a vampire in the shape of a cross, further muddies the waters by suggesting that Christianity exists in the Dragon Ball universe but in a vague and ambiguous manner.

The Complexity of Religious References

Dragon Ball's approach to world-building is noted for its inconsistency. It started as a comedy and never fully lost that tone, which makes it challenging to determine the exact nature of religious beliefs among its characters. While the series takes sporadic reference to real-world history, Christianity appears to be an unpopular religion in the region where the main plot unfolds. There are numerous instances that seem to suggest that Saiyans and other characters are more familiar with Buddhist and Shinto beliefs.

Religious and Philosophical Beliefs in Dragon Ball

The world of Dragon Ball, both Saiyan and human, is deeply rooted in concepts of Buddhism, Shinto, and Hinduism. The afterlife, for instance, is depicted as a celestial bureaucracy rather than a heaven or hell. Goku, the protagonist, dies and is judged not by St. Peter but by King Yemma, a deity from Japanese Buddhist tradition. Earth's god, Mr. Popo, is an ascended mortal awaiting service by a djinn, further emphasizing the mix of religious beliefs.

Conclusion

While the question of whether Saiyans would celebrate Christmas is purely speculative, the Dragon Ball universe offers a rich tapestry of religious and philosophical beliefs. These beliefs are not centered around a single religion but are a fusion of various Eastern philosophies, making it logical to conclude that Christmas might not resonate with Saiyans.

However, it's not beyond Goku's character, and indeed, the spirit of celebration, that he might partake in the festivities if it meant indulging in good food. Ultimately, the Dragon Ball world is one of diverse beliefs and philosophies, and the nuances of individual characters' religious leanings add to the complexity and depth of the series.