Preserving the Authenticity of Chinese New Year
Datum
2020
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Verlag
University of Oregon
Zusammenfassung
This project explores generational gaps in celebrating Chinese New Year, which is arguably the most important holiday in China. Also known as the Spring Festival, traditional rituals include the family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, putting up lucky red decorations, and handing out red envelopes to children. In the last decade, many new forms of commemorating Chinese New Year have developed among young people, such as sending virtual red envelopes for online money transfers via WeChat, a popular messaging app, and watching the extravagant Chinese New Year Gala on screens rather than participating in small festivities with family. These technology-driven changes are of particular concern to some elders who think that the younger generation is turning away from traditional family values and customs. The purpose of this project is to examine these cultural changes and question whether the Chinese New Year is losing its authenticity. We debate how far this transition is indicative of a larger restructuring of Chinese society and contrast different generational perspectives by analyzing Western and Chinese news outlets, social media blog posts, and websites. We expect to find that with China’s rapid urbanization, cultural traditions are not lost but simply changed, which some may see as growth, while others interpret it as a disappearing act. Our project has strong social significance, as it points out schisms in Chinese society and issues China faces in its process of modernization.
Beschreibung
Project files are comprised of 1 page pdf and presentation recording in mp4 format.
Schlagwörter
Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Generational gap, Culture, Holiday