In modern Chinese culture, November 11 is unofficially known as “Singles’ Day”, or 光棍节 (literally, bare sticks day, named because the date 11/11 resembles four solitary sticks). This day is meant to celebrate those who are living the single life, a direct opposite of Valentine’s Day on February 14th.
This day has become known for the huge discounts and promotions offered by stores and online shopping platforms, not unlike the Black Friday deals of North America. Online e-commerce platform Alibaba first started offering discounts on Singles’ Day in 2009, trying to boost a slow sales period, and offered a day where single people could shop for themselves. Since then, more and more brands and retailers have joined in. People eagerly await the chance to fill their shopping carts on 11/11, so much that this day has evolved from a mere celebration of the single life to becoming the largest online shopping event in the world. These deals aren’t just exclusive to Asia — you might even catch your favourite bubble tea stores in Vancouver putting out special discounts for Singles’ Day this year.
More than just shopping, those who are single might seize their chance to confess to their crush on this day. Though this holiday was originally started to celebrate the solo life, many single people use this day as an opportunity to meet each other and pair up, seeking to bring their single journey to an end. The number of weddings on this day is even five times greater than average!
The Chinese Language Program’s Chinese One Minute video teaches you all the important words you need to know in order to confess to your crush in Chinese. Check out the video here!