As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the air is filled with anticipation and excitement. However, the traditional way of celebrating this festival—moon-viewing—has been replaced by a modern twist: high-speed rail moon viewing. But who truly understands the romantic essence of this new tradition?
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time for families to gather and enjoy the full moon together. In the past, this meant gathering around a table, savoring mooncakes and sharing stories under the moonlight. However, in modern times, this tradition has evolved to accommodate the fast-paced lives of today’s society.
The Chinese government introduced a unique system called adjustable holidays to promote consumption. This system, which combines public holidays and weekends, allows people to enjoy longer breaks without taking additional leave. However, this system has sparked controversy, as it often results in strange holiday schedules and extended work hours.
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 17, a Tuesday. According to national regulations, the holiday lasts three days. If we add the weekend before and after the holiday, it creates a five-day long break. However, in China, the adjustable holiday system means that the actual holiday starts on Sunday and ends on Tuesday, leaving the weekend for work.
This schedule has led to a peculiar phenomenon: people are expected to enjoy the full moon on the night it is at its brightest, but instead, they must pack their bags and head back home. The author of the article, from the Labor Macro Notes column, wonders if this modern way of celebrating the festival is missing something—perhaps a touch of warmth and human connection.
While China boasts a relatively generous number of public holidays, with an average of 11 days, it still falls short of many developed countries. The adjustable holiday system and the introduction of golden weeks were intended to boost consumption, but they have also raised questions about the true purpose of public holidays.
One of the main issues is the separation of work and home for many Chinese citizens. During holidays, people often have to travel long distances to reunite with their families, making rest and relaxation difficult to achieve. Moreover, the implementation of paid leave is often not guaranteed, with many workers unable to take advantage of their entitled vacation days.
The author of the article suggests that the true essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival lies in the togetherness of family and friends, as well as the appreciation of the full moon. Modern methods, such as high-speed rail moon viewing, may be convenient, but they may not fully capture the spirit of the festival.
In conclusion, the question of who understands the romantic essence of high-speed rail moon viewing is a complex one. While the modern approach offers convenience and efficiency, it may not fully satisfy the longing for tradition and connection that the Mid-Autumn Festival represents. As society continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern advancements.
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