Why is Western Halloween So Popular in China Recently?

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

Have you heard about "刷脸 (shuāliǎn) Face Recognition" Technology? It is beginning to become a popular and exciting development in China. Recently, during the celebration of National Day, a Kentucky Fried Chicken KPRO restaurant in Hangzhou Vientiane City utilized this new technology.

Customers would go through the buffet line and then checkout with their food using this "Just look with your face" payment method. When they got to the payment machine, they simply entered their meal, selected preferred method of payment (facial recognition) and then stood in front of the screen for 1-2 seconds. They then confirmed their account and phone number and finished the payment process--all of it taking less than 10 seconds!

So what exactly does "刷脸 (shuāliǎn)" mean? Let's break this word down and see!

刷 (shuā): v. brush; clean with the brush.
脸 (liǎn): n. face.

When you put these characters together, you get:
刷脸 (shuāliǎn): facial recognition.

Zài hángzhōu, yì suǒ gāozhōng tuī chū shuāliǎn chīfàn fúwù.
在 杭州， 一 所 高中 推 出 刷脸 吃饭 服务。
In Hang Zhou, a high school provides a service where students can pay for meals by facial recognition.

However, this isn't the only way we use this word in China! When you combine these characters together you also get another meaning:

刷脸 (shuāliǎn): "Brushing face" —This is when you use your good looks, or popularity or social status to your own advantage.

Do you get it? Normally, people pay for dinner with a card, or as we say it: "刷卡 (shuākǎ) punch the card". However, because Jackie Chan is a Superstar, people offer him amazing ...Read More

Quiz:

Zǎoshang liù diǎn de shíhòu, wǒ jiù qǐchuáng xǐliǎn __ le.
早上 六 点 的 时候， 我 就 起床 洗脸 __ 了。

A. 刷脸 (shuāliǎn)
B. 刷牙 (shuāyá)
C. 刷卡 (shuākǎ)
See Answer