Chinese New Year: Traditions Evolve Amid Changing Times
In recent years, the way people celebrate Chinese New Year has undergone a significant transformation. Traditional customs such as sending greeting messages to friends and family have diminished, while new traditions like setting off fireworks or playing online games have gained popularity. These changes have sparked discussions among netizens on social media platform Weibo.
14 February 2024
A user recently summarized three notable shifts observed during the recent Chinese New Year: a significant reduction in the number of greeting messages sent through SMS and WeChat, a marked increase in the number of fireworks, and many people choosing not to participate in the custom of giving red envelopes on WeChat.
Many Weibo users agree with the observation that people are becoming more conscious and realistic as they age. One user lamented, "People are getting more and more conscious as they live longer. It makes sense when you think about it carefully."
Another user noted the changing atmosphere of Chinese New Year, remarking, "In a few years, the festive feeling will become even more diluted, and everyone will be busy playing with their phones, not wanting to be disturbed by others."
The most noticeable change this year, according to many netizens, was the marked decrease in WeChat greetings. BMW China acknowledged this trend by sending well-wishes to its followers in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. The automobile company wished everyone happiness, good health, peace, and prosperity, adding that good luck will continue to flow forth. Their video post on Weibo ends with the message, "Happy Year of the Rabbit! @Modern Brother Liu Yuning."
However, some users pointed out that while WeChat greetings may have diminished, people have found alternative ways to extend their wishes. As one user shared, "I sent New Year greetings to everyone, and most of them were handwritten instead of simply forwarding messages. I also removed those who haven't responded to my New Year messages from 2021 to 2023."
The reduction in WeChat greetings can be attributed, in part, to the growing awareness of ineffective social interactions. A user commented, "There are too many 'friends,' sending mass messages is meaningless, and sending individual messages is too time-consuming."
Another user, who noticed a decrease in received messages, chooses not to send messages either. They shared, "I have 538 friends on WeChat, but I haven't sent any New Year messages, and I haven't received any. Instead, I spent time playing with my child and even skipped watching the Spring Festival Gala." This user trusts that genuine friends who remember them will reach out.
While the decrease in WeChat greetings is significant, not all users agree that this indicates a decline in personal connections. One user proposed that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the reduced number of messages. They explained, "Since everyone can visit their relatives now that the pandemic is over, the number of greeting messages has decreased a bit."
In conclusion, the way Chinese New Year is celebrated has undergone a considerable shift, marked by a reduction in WeChat greetings and an increase in alternative customs. As people become more conscious and busy, traditional practices continue to evolve to adapt to the changing times. However, many users emphasize that while the methods of connection may change, the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships remains constant.
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Note: No Chinese characters were used in the article.