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Singles Day is celebrated every November 11th around the world. It is a date with certain features from which all those who do not have a stable partner express their self-love. This day stands out precisely because, if the date is written only in numbers, the result is 11/11. It is the day of the year with the largest number 1, and this digit is considered synonymous with a single person.
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This date appeared in 1993, in China, when a group of students from Nanjing University defined the trend. Later, this celebration spread to other groups of oriental students and to other countries, until it became a popular event around the planet.
Over time, November 11 gained a lot of notoriety and became a commercial event. This is because the Chinese online sales website, Alibaba Group, registered “11.11” as a trademark and started launching special offers during this day. So it’s a shopping day with Black Friday-type offers that are taken advantage of in other countries, such as Russia, the United States, France, Spain and Brazil.
Although Singles Day is celebrated today, it is not the only date of the year that honors it. In various parts of the world, Singles Day is also celebrated every February 13. It is a response to Valentine’s Day, on the 14th of that same month, a date dedicated abroad to love and couples.
That’s why this celebration came about: to go “against” Valentine’s Day. In addition, it carries a message of self-love, encouraging single people to love themselves for who they are.
In other parts of the world this celebration is usually held on a different day of the calendar. In countries like the United States, England or Canada – where the concept of Valentine’s Day is very popular – it is celebrated on February 15, the day after Valentine’s Day. Funnily enough, it is abbreviated in English to “SAD”,which means “sad”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Singles Day Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, I’m thrilled to have with us Dr. Emma Chen, an expert in cultural celebrations and consumer behavior. We’re here to discuss a fascinating phenomenon that has grown tremendously in popularity: Singles Day, celebrated every November 11th. Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emma Chen: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss Singles Day and its implications.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. What is Singles Day all about, and how did it come into existence?
Dr. Chen: Singles Day originated in 1993 at Nanjing University in China. A group of students created the event as a way for single people to celebrate their status and express self-love. November 11 was chosen because when written in numbers, it’s 11/11—symbolizing the idea of individuality with the digit ’1′ repeated. It quickly spread among students in other universities and eventually transcended borders, becoming widely recognized.
Editor: That’s a unique foundation! And now we see it as a global celebration, but it’s evolved into something much more commercial, hasn’t it?
Dr. Chen: Absolutely. Over the years, especially after Alibaba trademarked ”11.11″, Singles Day transformed into a massive shopping event akin to Black Friday. This shift has influenced shopping behaviors not just in China but also in other countries, where consumers take advantage of significant discounts and special offers.
Editor: How do you think this commercialization has impacted the original intent of Singles Day?
Dr. Chen: It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, the commercialization has mainstreamed the celebration, allowing many people worldwide to engage in the festivities and enjoy shopping. However, it can overshadow the original message of self-love, as the focus shifts from personal celebration to consumerism. It’s essential for people to remember the day’s roots while also enjoying the shopping aspect.
Editor: That makes sense. In the spirit of self-love, how do you suggest singles can celebrate today without diving entirely into consumerism?
Dr. Chen: Great question! I recommend organizing self-care days, spending time with friends, or engaging in activities that bring joy—like hobbies or adventures. People could also explore their unique interests and passions outside of the retail space. The goal is to appreciate oneself and build a sense of community, which was the original intention of the day.
Editor: On a broader cultural scale, what other similar celebrations exist?
Dr. Chen: There are various cultural events that honor individuality and self-love. For instance, Valentine’s Day can be transformed into a celebration of self-relationships. Various cultures celebrate common themes of love and commitment to self through unique festivities.
Editor: could you share your thoughts on the future of Singles Day? Do you think it will continue to gain prominence?
Dr. Chen: Definitely. As society evolves, the importance of self-love and self-care is becoming more recognized. Singles Day fits perfectly into this narrative. Additionally, with the rise of online shopping and social media influence, it’s poised to continue its growth, possibly even inspiring more sub-cultures around self-love that transcend conventional boundaries.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Chen! This discussion definitely sheds light on Singles Day and how it intertwines self-love with cultural and consumer practices. It’s clear there’s much more beneath the surface of this special day.
Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing the significance of such an intriguing celebration.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Be sure to celebrate self-love this November 11th, in whatever way resonates with you. Until next time!