Proposal for holiday to give thanks
10/3/2005 8:32
A member of the country's top advisory body has proposed a Chinese
Thanksgiving Day, a public day to boost harmony among the people.
"Such a
holiday will remind children of their parents' attention and love and teach them
how to be thankful and considerate to their elders," said Chen Wanzhi, a member
of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference, during a panel discussion on Tuesday in Beijing. "It will also
remind the adults to be more caring and tolerant of others."
He said some
college students have proposed their own "Thanksgiving Day," a time to voice
affection and gratitude to their parents, teachers and friends. "It's a very
good idea."
The adviser from the southwestern Chongqing municipality proposed
the Chinese celebrate their own Thanksgiving on the Western Father's Day. "We
can encourage the children to help their parents with housework on that day so
that they can understand their parents better and learn to care more for
others."
It constitutes part of the Chinese national character since ancient
times to stay thankful and ready to repay others' kindness, acknowledged Chen.
"We need to preserve the good quality in the present-day society."
China's
one-child generation, as the center of their family life, are increasingly
taking their parents' love for granted, said Chen.
"Heavy school assignment
load and intense competitions for higher learning also caused some youngsters to
be apathetic and indifferent to others' feelings," he added, "and the same is
true in the adult world."
The proposal has been commended by many citizens in
Beijing.'' For the children, to be grateful is the first step toward filial
piety,'' said a Beijing-based engineer surnamed Lei.
"I think it's a very
good idea, as the holiday will be another ideal opportunity for family union
with their parents," said Lei.
But some people have questioned to what extent
a holiday can really boost harmony. "Not all social issues can be solved with a
holiday," said Professor Zhou Xiaozheng of the People's University of
China.
Xinhua
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