At Chinese New Year, Matchmaking Becomes Mercenary
Locals browse through singles information at a 'lover's finding,' or matchmaking event for Valentines Day in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in 2007. (AFP/Getty Images) Hundreds of millions of Chinese look forward to the New Year celebrations, when families reunite in their hometowns for days of feasting and revelry. But some dread it.
Young people who reach their late 20s or 30s without finding a partner are called “leftovers,” and are often looked down upon. For them, Chinese New Year is another round of scrutiny by prying family members over why they are still single.
A report titled “How The ‘Leftovers’ Celebrate the New Year With Their Families” was released by Chinese website Sina, in the love and marriage section. It indicated that over 90 percent of the singles interviewed have been asked marriage-related questions by family members. Among them, 42 percent have been “constantly harangued” with indelicate inquiries into their personal lives.
Young people who reach their late 20s or 30s without finding a partner are called “leftovers,” and are often looked down upon. For them, Chinese New Year is another round of scrutiny by prying family members over why they are still single.
A report titled “How The ‘Leftovers’ Celebrate the New Year With Their Families” was released by Chinese website Sina, in the love and marriage section. It indicated that over 90 percent of the singles interviewed have been asked marriage-related questions by family members. Among them, 42 percent have been “constantly harangued” with indelicate inquiries into their personal lives.
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