In China, a paper tiger not everyone likes
China is entering the Year of the Tiger in 2022.
Here in Beijing, December 30, 2021. AP - Ng Han Guan
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
It is a tradition for the entry into the lunar new year: the China Post this week published its special stamps corresponding to the year of the tiger.
But some Internet users have found that the animal of the zodiac depicted lacked vigor.
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With our correspondent in Beijing,
Stéphane Lagarde
"
A sick cat
", "
a worried animal frowning
": rarely has a zodiac stamp aroused so much controversy.
The two special stamps put on sale Wednesday, however, meet the codes of traditional Chinese painting.
The first, entitled "fortune and national prosperity", represents the majestic animal on its mountain.
The second, "Tigers bring luck", shows a mother tiger with her two cubs.
#China issues new zodiac #stamp collections to celebrate 2022, the Year of the Tiger recently.
The two stamps, Guoyun Changlong (国运 昌隆) & Huyun Jixiang (虎 蕴 吉祥), mean "national fortune & prosperity" & “family harmony & reunion” & may these best wishes to you all!
pic.twitter.com/YX4sCtYJIF
- Ambassador Deng Xijun (@ China2ASEAN) January 7, 2022
So far all is well, except on closer inspection
some have found
the male to "
look sad
".
However, everyone knows that a tiger does not cry.
As for the kindness displayed by the female, everyone also knows that the king of the felines does not pour into gentleness.
According to a very serious survey carried out by an economic daily, the two baby tigers would also appear unhappy and lack enthusiasm.
In short, nothing to motivate a revival of the birth rate.
►
See also: In China, nearly 12 million children “found” during the 2020 census
Faced with skeptics, artist Feng Dazhong had to justify himself.
"
Animals also know joys and sorrows
," this great expert in tiger drawing, who benefits from a grant from the Chinese government, told the media.
The drawing, he added, allows "to
transmit a spiritual emotion
".
Bravo in the comments, some Internet users on the contrary welcoming the realism of a tiger life undermined by anxiety and pressure.
Others, more politically correct, deem these portraits faithful to the resolution of the Chinese people to be "
competitive and courageous for the year to come
".
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