Recently, a topic about Syrians in China who heard firecrackers from fright to integration has caused a heated discussion on the Internet. With the arrival of the Chinese New Year, colorful celebrations have been held in various places, among which firecrackers are an indispensable link. However, when Syrian friends heard the sound of firecrackers in China, this sudden loud noise made them feel uneasy and even frightened. The sound of firecrackers evokes painful memories of the war-torn years in their hometown.
Short video blogger ZEIN, food blogger Lao Wang in China, and many foreign bloggers shared their journey from uneasiness to integration amid the sound of firecrackers during the Chinese New Year, and everyone lamented that "only Chinese use gunpowder for peace and joy."
I still remember that in modern times, Mr. Lu Xun wrote in "The Pros and Cons of Electricity": "Foreign countries use gunpowder to make bullets to ward off enemies, but China uses it to make firecrackers to worship the gods; foreign countries use compass needles for navigation, but China uses it to see feng shui; foreign countries use opium to heal diseases, but China uses it as food." The same thing, but the difference between Chinese and foreign usages is so ......"
From Lu Xun's lament in modern times that "foreign countries use gunpowder to make bullets to ward off the enemy, but China uses it to make firecrackers to worship God" to today's foreigners who lament in China for the New Year that "only Chinese use gunpowder for peace and joy", what is behind this change?
It is the difference and integration of cultural values: Lu Xun's emotion reflects the perspective of the conflict and collision of Western cultures in his time. At that time, China was experiencing the impact of foreign cultures, and the contradiction between tradition and modernity was particularly prominent. Foreigners may take it for granted that gunpowder was used in the military, while in China, due to its history and cultural traditions, gunpowder was used more in celebrations and religious ceremonies in the early days. However, over time, this cultural difference has come to be understood and accepted. The sentiments of foreigners during the Chinese New Year show that they have come to appreciate and respect the peaceful and joyful use of gunpowder in Chinese culture.
It is social progress and cognitive renewal: with the process of globalization, the exchange between cultures between countries is becoming more frequent, and people are beginning to be more open to the differences between different cultures. This openness and inclusiveness fosters understanding and respect for other cultures. As a result, foreigners began to realize that the use of gunpowder in Chinese culture was not backward or unreasonable, but a unique cultural expression.
It is the theme of the times for peace and development: In today's world, peace and development have become the theme of the times. There is a growing realization that military conflicts and wars are not the best way to solve problems. Thus, the sentiments of foreigners during the Chinese New Year may reflect their quest for peace and joy, as well as their recognition that gunpowder is used for celebration rather than war.
It is the fusion of tradition and modernity: As a country with a long history and culture, China has always faced the tension between tradition and modernity in the process of modernization. However, with the progress of the times, tradition and modernity began to gradually merge, forming a new way of cultural expression. The peaceful and joyful use of gunpowder in Chinese culture is a manifestation of this fusion.
The most important thing is that China's international status has been significantly improved, and China's strength makes the kindness in the bones of the Chinese seem so valuable, always remember: we do not live in a peaceful era, but only in a peaceful country.