Even though the end of the year holiday season in Shanghai is pervasive and obvious, it does not rival the USA's dedication to materialistic showdowns between friends and family members. The Chinese see it as a foreigners' party. It seems to me that the Chinese believe since the laowai are in China, the Chinese must act as hosts. They do a marvelous job of pseudo-creating the Xmas vibe - shopping sales and promotions, modern Xmas trees made of chrome and flashing lights, and English language Xmas music in all the stores and restaurants. I never heard a Chinese cover of "Santa Baby" or "Grandma got run over...". Maybe next year. Here's hoping!
New Year's Eve, too, does not carry the same significance for the Chinese as it does for the ex-pat community. While the majority of ex-pats were getting drunk, most of the Chinese watched with curious eyes - "Why are these foreign people so happy about January?" Come Chinese New Year (Feb. 18) I am sure I will see a different story. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is the most important holiday in China. I have been told that Dec 31 is not the new year, February 18 is. That simple. And that sweet. No apologies and no negotiations. Here in Shanghai, the Chinese culture is stronger than any outside one, and the Shanghainese are the ultimate Chinese people (according to, well, them). So they do not see the need, except to be gracious hosts, for all the hoopla. They do go all out for us though, which makes me feel special. And who doesn't like to feel special? The Chinese are extremely skilled at making their guests feel at home.
So, with all this Chinese culture at my feet, my German friend Sissi and I went to a coffee bar for Italian food which is owned by a Kiwi (New Zealand), and then listened to some elevator jazz at the Ritz Carlton, then we went to a Turkish lounge for Perrier and Sheesha (hookah pipe) while we listened to an American DJ spin Drum and Bass. How Chinese!! But it actually is - because it all happened here in Shanghai! Allowing all this international flavor to exist in one city makes the Chinese great hosts!
Xinnian Kuai Le! (Happy New Year!)
New Year's Eve, too, does not carry the same significance for the Chinese as it does for the ex-pat community. While the majority of ex-pats were getting drunk, most of the Chinese watched with curious eyes - "Why are these foreign people so happy about January?" Come Chinese New Year (Feb. 18) I am sure I will see a different story. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is the most important holiday in China. I have been told that Dec 31 is not the new year, February 18 is. That simple. And that sweet. No apologies and no negotiations. Here in Shanghai, the Chinese culture is stronger than any outside one, and the Shanghainese are the ultimate Chinese people (according to, well, them). So they do not see the need, except to be gracious hosts, for all the hoopla. They do go all out for us though, which makes me feel special. And who doesn't like to feel special? The Chinese are extremely skilled at making their guests feel at home.
So, with all this Chinese culture at my feet, my German friend Sissi and I went to a coffee bar for Italian food which is owned by a Kiwi (New Zealand), and then listened to some elevator jazz at the Ritz Carlton, then we went to a Turkish lounge for Perrier and Sheesha (hookah pipe) while we listened to an American DJ spin Drum and Bass. How Chinese!! But it actually is - because it all happened here in Shanghai! Allowing all this international flavor to exist in one city makes the Chinese great hosts!
Xinnian Kuai Le! (Happy New Year!)
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