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In China, traditional holidays are like expired bread: even
if made with high-quality ingredients and with shiny, appealing packaging
that highlights their nutritional value, the production label can't keep up
with the fast pace of Chinese society. Chinese people have moved on, and no
one cares about the expiration date anymore.
Is it really true that foreign customs and traditions are more suitable for
China, a country that has suffered from cultural erosion? Today, our
cultural roots are not as deep as those of our neighboring countries. We may
be aware of this and anxiously lament the rapid loss of our culture, but we
can only watch as the "land" under our feet dwindles.
The "Chinese sentiment" has always been present, as evidenced by the
excitement stirred up by the debate over the Chinese and Korean versions of
the Dragon Boat Festival. Unfortunately, it seems that only a few people
pause their busy lives at that moment, surprised, confused, or bewildered,
wondering when the Koreans quietly ate our zongzi and took away our dragon
boats. Then, after a few seconds of pause, they resume their daily
activities. Are they rushing to book a fancy Valentine's Day dinner
reservation?
The impact of foreign cultures is like a wave crashing onto the shore. When
it recedes, it leaves behind pearls, seashells, or stones, all of which
Chinese people collect eagerly at any cost. We hold roses in our hands, wear
colorful clothes, and decorate Christmas trees that are overly fancy,
imagining ourselves immersed in exotic and fashionable foreign cultures. But
what fades away in our lives is our traditional culture, which we remember
but gradually forget.
Of course, this is not the fault of foreign cultures. The impact between
cultures does not negate their value. Every culture needs to grow and spread
in the most suitable environment. And new trends should only decorate our
lives, not monopolize the traditional culture market.
In the eyes of foreigners, Chinese people should not be blindly following
Western holidays with grand celebrations. Standing between cultures, it is
almost ridiculous. If we really admire the generosity of Santa Claus, we
should be generous in reclaiming the warmth of traditional Chinese culture. |
