[Beijing Diary] China Truly Dedicated to Chunje Decorations

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] In a square in Chongqing, Sichuan, China, a giant "rabbit lantern" was installed to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit ahead of the Chunje (Spring Festival, Chinese New Year). Within a few days, the lantern became the subject of many people's comments and was soon torn apart and removed. Many complained that the rabbit, which should have been adorable, looked like it had a human face and appeared very scary and fierce depending on the perspective.

In the bustling area of Nanning, Guangxi, another "ugly rabbit" became a hot topic. Criticisms such as "How on earth does this look like a rabbit?" "Is this a rabbit with a sheep's face?" and "Are they drunk?" were directed at the installation. This too quickly became a subject of ridicule, even being turned into emoticons.

Photo by Weibo

Photo by Weibo

Similar incidents occurred at a large shopping mall in Shenzhen. Ahead of the Chunje, white lanterns were hung in a row along the corridor connecting buildings. Since white in China is associated with funerals, many visitors felt uneasy, and there were also criticisms that the design had too strong a Japanese influence. A few hours later, a remarkable scene unfolded where all the staff came out in front of the mall to paint these lanterns red.

When celebrating Chunje in China, one is often surprised by the sincerity they show toward decorations. The cases introduced above are just a few incidents that became widely discussed online, but in real life, their dedication to decorations is so intense that it is almost hard to believe. Workers precariously hang red lanterns on streetlights along main roads, and even when strong winds pose a risk of casualties, large amounts of uninstalled red lantern and chunlian (red paper couplets with auspicious phrases) materials are piled up on the side of highways.

An interesting point is that the organizers of the decorations actively accept public opinion surrounding Chunje decorations. If the raised issues have justification and grounds, they promptly modify and fix them to resolve complaints. Even though Chinese people were thought to be passive in openly expressing dissatisfaction or demanding reforms on social issues, they seem to apply a strict standard when it comes to Chunje decorations. Since they are sincere about the decorations, their responses are sincere as well.

This year’s Chunje appears to be more special to the Chinese than in any other year. The custom of families and relatives scattered across this vast land, busy with their livelihoods, gathering together to welcome the new year has returned to their daily lives after the "end of zero-COVID" in three years. We hope to see the sincerity and immersion they have shown toward Chunje and its commemorative decorations extend into new areas and domains in the new year.