'Ask a Laobeijing' is a regular series where we chat with a laoren about their thoughts on different issues. This month, we met Zhang, 47, at Pizza+ on Shizipo Jie.
Do you think the meaning of Spring Festival has changed in modern times?
Back when I was young, the quality of life was worse. We didn’t have the opportunity to eat nice meals, and we had to wait until Spring Festival to enjoy a big feast of delicious food or to buy new clothes. It was special because it was the one occasion when this would happen.
Material life has been greatly enriched, to the point where everyone already has an abundance of things. People have more money, so if they want to buy new clothes, they can – anytime. It’s good that people’s standard of living has improved, but it means that Spring Festival has increasingly lost its ‘unique’ feeling.
My family used to enjoy being at home together. When we were children it would often snow during Spring Festival. I remember we would go outside, hold lanterns and watch the fireworks with a big crowd of people. I felt so happy. This doesn’t happen anymore. Now, as soon as the feast is finished, we may watch a little television but that’s about it.
I have a 10-year-old child. During Spring Festival we usually go to my parents’ house, where we all cook together, although we typically let the parents rest during Spring Festival because they work so hard throughout the year. The laoren give children hongbao too, of course.
Nowadays, people are more likely to go traveling with their families. For example, we don’t usually travel, but this year we decided to change things up – we’re going to Sanya.
When I was younger I loved Spring Festival, because of the surprise factor. Now I don't really have any particularly feelings about it. It’s not because I’ve gotten older. I just think it’s so ordinary now; it’s lost its flavor.
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