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Opinion / From the Readers

Growing popularity of Western festivals in China no cause for alarm

By Muhammad Asim Raza (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2015-12-29 15:21

Growing popularity of Western festivals in China no cause for alarm

Dragon dances during the festival. [Photo/Agencies]

In China elders are worried about the younger generation's lifestyle. As we all know, millions of Chinese people celebrated Christmas. So, I thought I'd illuminate the effects of festivals and console the elders. No one can have failed to notice the fact that Western festivals are gaining ever-increasing popularity in China. An increasing number of Chinese are fond of celebrating Western festivals today.

On Valentine's Day, many people, especially the young, give flowers or chocolate to the one they love.When Christmas approaches, nearly every store puts out decorations of Santa Claus, snowflakes and even Christmas trees, not to mention the millions of people immersed in the thrilling, festive atmosphere on Christmas Eve. Even such holidays as Halloween and Easter are becoming known and celebrated by more and more Chinese.

In comparison, traditional Chinese festivals as Spring Festival, the Festival of Lanterns and Mid-Autumn Festival seem to be losing their attraction.

In view of such a situation, many are worried that Chinese culture will be ignored or even ruined by the invasion of Western festivals. Personally, I believe that we needn't be over worried. Actually, the increasing popularity of some Western festivals in China is nothing accidental, but something justifiable.

First, it is a part of cultural globalization. With the development of communication science and technology, and along with more and more nations opening up to the outside world, the world today has turned into a global village, with many national things becoming international. China is no exception. While we are absorbing advanced science and technology from foreign countries, we are also taking in different cultures.

Secondly, it is a sign of China's rejuvenation. As a nation boasting a civilization of 5,000 years, China has been known for its spirit of accommodation or open-mindedness. China used to be a melting pot of cultures as the U.S. is today. In the prosperous Tang dynasty, China was host to travelers and settlers from over the world. Actually, being accommodating is a sign of any thriving nation. Therefore, we should be pleased rather than upset to see Chinese people embracing foreign festivals.

It is true that some traditional Chinese festivals are losing their appeal to many people, but this does not necessarily ruin Chinese culture. Actually, a closer inspection reveals that most Chinese celebrate Western festivals merely out of the wish to seek novelty, to find a new way to entertain themselves or to express their identity in the face of the older generation. On the other hand, most Chinese have not ignored their native festivals. A convincing proof is that Spring Festival still sees the largest flow of population in the world, as most Chinese rush to their homes for family reunions.

In a word, while we are giving priority to the preservation and development of traditional Chinese culture, we needn't worry too much about the inflow of foreign culture.

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