Red Envelopes and Sleeping In: The Financial Struggles and Traditions of Lunar New Year
The ancient Chinese saying, "初一早，初二早，初三睡到饱" (Early to bed and early to rise on the first two days, and on the third day, sleep until you're full) rings true during the Lunar New Year. It's a time for family reunions and relaxation, where people often rest on the third day, called the 'Red Mouth Day' in some regions. This day has an interesting history, believed to have originated from the ancient custom of avoiding disputes.
12 February 2024
As social media platforms buzzed with the hashtag #大年初三睡到饱#, netizens shared their plans or lack thereof, for the third day of the New Year. The celebratory mood continued on Weibo, with many posting messages wishing their friends and families good health and prosperity. However, amidst this cheerful atmosphere, one post stood out, one that encapsulated the financial woes faced by many young parents: the burden of giving out '压岁钱' (red envelopes filled with money) to children during the New Year.
The post, which quickly gained attention, read, "I can't bear the weight of this year's red envelopes for my daughter. She has already received over 30,000 yuan ($4,600). I'm worried about the financial burden it places on me and my family. I give the elders in my family more than 100 yuan ($15) each, and a standard 20 yuan ($3) for the children. Please bear with my actions." This candid confession garnered mixed reactions on Weibo, ranging from understanding to criticism.
Another Weibo user responded, "I understand the financial constraints faced by young parents. It's not easy to be a grown-up during the New Year." A third chimed in, "The reality is harsh, and we should be understanding of each other's situations." However, some users didn't hold back in their criticism. "Your actions are selfish and irresponsible. Think about the children who won't receive as much as your daughter because of your actions," one user wrote.
The practice of giving '压岁钱' is a long-standing Chinese tradition and is believed to bring luck and prosperity to the receiver. It's not just a token of goodwill; it also reflects the respect and care for the younger generation. However, the amount of money given in red envelopes has been on the rise, and many young parents are feeling the pinch. In fact, reports have cited '压岁钱' as the new anxiety among the youth in China.
During the New Year, delicious food and drink are also an integral part of the festivities. Amidst the merriment, concerns about the health effects of consuming carbonated drinks, like Coca-Cola, were raised. According to a report by 39健康网, Coca-Cola has become a staple beverage at the dining table during the Lunar New Year. However, despite its taste, excessive consumption of these drinks can have detrimental effects on a person's health. The report highlighted the risks of consuming too much caffeine, damage to teeth, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Back to the light-hearted side of the New Year celebrations, videos of a lamb running down a busy highway went viral on Weibo. The video, posted by the Kunming Traffic Police, shows a lamb running alongside a car on a highway. The video was captioned, "We also want to sleep in on the third day, but duty calls. Here's a friendly reminder to drive safely and watch out for animals on the road."
In another heartwarming story, a 83-year-old man in Loudi, Hunan Province, caught the attention of netizens. The elderly man was found walking slowly on a road by traffic police officers. The man revealed that he had lost his spouse years ago, and the good weather prompted him to take a walk. This story garnered an outpouring of love and concern from the online community.
As we bid adieu to the year of the Ox and usher in the year of the Tiger, let's remember the essence of the Lunar New Year - family togetherness, joy, and understanding. The third day, with its tradition of sleeping in and taking a break from the festivities, is a reminder that even in the midst of celebration, it's important to recharge and look after ourselves.
Perhaps on this day, we can all practice the art of rest, as the ancient saying goes, "睡到饱" (Sleep until you're full). Meanwhile, let's keep the true spirit of the Lunar New Year alive - one of love, compassion, and respect for each other, regardless of our financial circumstances.
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