Festivals a boon to folk art

It is already a consensus inside and outside the traditional arts community that mere protection of folk art is far from enough. Yet its revival is difficult given the current circumstances. However, holidays, especially traditional ones such as Spring Festival, may be an opportunity to revive folk art since topics related to folk customs and literature will always catch people's attention at these times, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The connection between folk art and life, as well as with its audience, is no longer as close as it used to be, because of the dramatic social changes that have occurred, and this is the biggest obstacle in the way of folk art regaining its former glory. What makes traditional holidays different from ordinary ones is the nostalgia that accompanies them. This is conducive to promoting appreciation of folk art. The practical functions of folk art, for example, bestowing blessings, are also one of features of festival culture.

Since holidays largely stimulate consumption, commercialization of folk art would be a major way to develop it. But there are two aspects worth special attention. On the one hand, market-driven folk art must understand propriety and be for improvement rather than simple mass production. On the other hand, the folk art market should be normalized after the holidays, which involves an overall expansion such as design and production, brand maintenance and market promotion.

While activating folk art traditions, holidays offer a good chance to find emerging new phenomena that can enrich traditional arts and crafts. If the aesthetics of the time can be grasped and incorporated, folk art could become popular culture.

The survival of folk art must rely on its own strong strength and emotional appeal instead of people's pity. Whether traditional arts and crafts can appeal to modern audiences depends on timing, atmosphere and opportunity. Therefore, it is worth discussing whether or not traditional holidays can provide the chance for folk art to stage a comeback in a new era.

Father's 'seat trip' worrying

A father in Yichang, Hubei province, drove for five hours to Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan in order to "occupy a seat" in a study room so his son could prepare for the national post-graduate examination. Although the father's zeal highlights the dearth of study spaces in colleges, it also shows some children rely too much on their parents, and their parents' willingness to indulge them, says an article on gmw.cn. Excerpts:

On the surface, the man's attempt to guarantee one of a limited number of seats for his son shows the shortage of quiet study rooms on campus, along with students' being more critical of their study environment.

But more alarmingly, it reflects young people's excessive reliance on their elderly parents. Despite being adults, many students get their parents to escort them when taking exams, attending matchmaking events, or when going for a job.

Astonishingly, there have been reports of college students mailing their laundry to their parents by express delivery. Also, one student got her mother to visit her by plane, just so she could bring some cold medicine. If students fail to be independent in life they will end up nowhere even if they do well in their exams.

In daily life, there are many things like "occupying a seat" that will present a challenge to young people. Therefore they need to cultivate independence and self-reliance. Rather than being an extra burden on their parents, young adults should try to ease the burden on their parents. Their parents too should let go their doting hold on their children and enjoy the rest of their lives.

(China Daily 02/19/2013 page9)