Young Chinese are fighting back against scourge of Lunar New Year: interfering relatives
- Unwelcome criticism and meddling has turned family get-togethers into an ordeal for many from younger generations
- Songs, videos and sweaters among the sources of inspiration for those fed up with relatives asking about their salary and setting up blind dates
Even before Lunar New Year was on the horizon, Shen Yi was planning how to avoid her family during the holidays.
“I won’t visit them, I just won’t go this year,” she said firmly.
The 32-year-old from Nanjing in eastern China’s Jiangsu province became tired of her relatives after years of being criticised, especially at family get-togethers during the holidays.
One year, an older cousin told her she had a bad personality and questioned why she was still single, while another suggested she should wear more make-up.
Shen is far from alone in experiencing this treatment from family members. More and more younger Chinese people are complaining about their relatives’ interfering ways, especially at Lunar New Year when they feel compelled to visit those they may not have seen since the previous new year celebrations.