Many of my foreign Chinese language students are surprised that we Chinese celebrate Western-style Halloween so enthusiastically in Chinese cities today. I will try to explain a few important reasons in today's lesson!
In fact, China has its own traditional version of Halloween, the "鬼节 (Guĭjié) Ghost Festival" of Chinese Taoism each July.
鬼节 (Guǐjié): Ghost Festival
Wǒ cónglái bú guò Guǐjié.
我 从来 不 过 鬼节。
I never celebrate Ghost Festival.
On a lighter note, Western Halloween, or "万圣节 (Wànshèngjié)", does not contain serious family traditions or somber feelings. It's a fun event that brings laughs, smiles and exciting screams! The images of jack-o-lanterns, children trick-or-treating and ghost stories are famous in China.
万圣节 (Wànshèngjié): Western Halloween
Xiǎoháimen xǐhuān zài Wànshèngjié de shíhòu zuò nánguādēng.
小孩们 喜欢 在 万圣节 的 时候 做 南瓜灯。
Children like to make pumpkin lanterns during Halloween.
So, why does Western Halloween, or "万圣节 (Wànshèngjié)", along with its ghosts, witches, pumpkins and costumes seem so appealing to young Chinese today?
1. Chinese Ghost Festival is serious, Western Halloween is fun
Many Chinese holidays are actually quite serious and gloomy, with respectful and somber worship of ancestors being part of the tradition, not a "celebration" the way that many Western holidays unfold. In fact, during the Chinese "鬼节 (Guĭjié) Ghost Festival", families will build lanterns and boats to honor deceased relatives. The success of the paper craft's journey will determine the fate of the ancestors' spirits. It's quite a serious matter!
Western Halloween, or "万圣节 (wànshèngjié)", is a much more fun and carefree holiday. While Chinese Ghost Festival is spent with family, for young Chinese Western Halloween is an opportunity to celebrate with friends and colleagues. Instead of worshipping family, the celebration is lighthearted and fun.
2. China is becoming more international every year
More and more young Chinese are studying abroad and bringing western interests back to China with them. In addition, more foreign travelers, students and workers are living in China now, bring these traditions with them. At the same time, young Chinese are watching…
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