Viral Video Sparks Debate on Chinese Kinship Terminology

The video, which was filmed on the occasion of Chinese New Year, shows the boy, aged six, greeting each man in order of their age. The men, identified as the young boy's cousin, who is studying at Beijing University, an uncle-in-law, and a great-uncle, are all seated together in a row, with their ages displayed as 22, 60, and 76 years old, respectively.

The child says "舅舅新年好" (happy new year, Uncle) to each man, who then hand the boy red envelopes filled with money, a traditional Chinese New Year gift. The bizarre encounter has left many Weibo users scratching their heads, with some questioning if this level of extended family interaction is commonplace in Chinese culture.

In response to the attention the video has received, the person who shot the video, Wang Luo, explained to Huanqiu News that the footage was taken during their visit to the eldest uncle's house for the New Year. Wang Luo also mentioned that people found it amusing and coincidental, so they decided to film the interaction.

Since the video's release, Weibo users have shared their thoughts, attempting to unravel the confusing relationships between the individuals in the video. Some comments have been lighthearted, such as one user who joked about reaching their "cognitive limit" when trying to decipher the intricate family tree.

Another user humorously compared the scene to a children's toy car bouncing around chaotically at a supermarket entrance.

Despite the perplexing nature of the situation, many commenters have also shared instances of their own complex family relationships, discussing the unique terms used to address extended family members in their own regions.

In response to the viral video, Huanqiu News published a guide on how to address extended family members in Chinese, with some users expressing gratitude for the clarification. However, others have pointed out that kinship terminology can vary significantly across different regions and families in China.

As the viral video continues to spark conversations on Chinese social media, it has highlighted the richness and complexity of Chinese kinship and family structures. While some users may find the relationships in the video confounding, the video serves as a reminder of the unique dynamics and connections that exist within Chinese families.

In conclusion, the bizarre and amusing scene captured in the viral video showcases the intricate family structures and relationships that exist in Chinese culture. The video has sparked a wave of curiosity and amusement on social media, with users attempting to unravel the complex kinship terminology. While the video may have left some viewers scratching their heads, it serves as a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese family life.

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