As Halloween approaches, China has amplified its scrutiny over celebrations, particularly in major cities like Shanghai. Chinese authorities are concerned that Halloween costumes and gatherings could harbor politically sensitive messages, potentially viewed as subversive or disruptive. Over recent years, the Chinese government has increased oversight over Western cultural events, including Christmas and Halloween, citing the need to limit foreign influences and maintain social order.
This year, Shanghai’s Halloween crackdown highlights these concerns. Authorities have banned costumes in public spaces and warned residents that Halloween-themed decorations, such as coffins, skeletons, and bats, are prohibited. This stance reflects the government’s unease with costumes perceived as politically symbolic, such as Guy Fawkes masks, which have been associated with anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The use of Western symbols in costumes has long been discouraged, and now officials are issuing direct warnings to cosplayers and event organizers.
Heightened Sensitivity Following the 2022 Protests
Chinese authorities are particularly sensitive to public gatherings in light of last year’s widespread “White Paper” protests against the zero-COVID policy. The protests, sparked by pandemic restrictions, quickly spread across the country, culminating in a significant movement that the government is wary of repeating. Authorities see public Halloween celebrations, where large groups gather in costumes, as a potential trigger for protest-like atmospheres.
This concern has led to increased police presence around anticipated Halloween gathering spots. The internal memo from the Shanghai police reportedly advises officials to use persuasive tactics to prevent people from wearing costumes in public spaces, and to employ stronger measures if they encounter resistance. Restaurants and bars popular for Halloween gatherings have been urged to keep celebrations subdued and ensure compliance with the new restrictions.
China’s Approach to Cultural Control
China’s Halloween crackdown aligns with a broader campaign to limit Western influence and strengthen traditional Chinese values. In recent years, the government has issued similar directives for Christmas, limiting celebrations and decorations in schools. This movement reflects the administration’s stance that Western festivals dilute China’s cultural heritage. At the same time, the government encourages traditional Chinese celebrations, such as Lunar New Year, as preferred cultural expressions.
Social media has become a key battleground in these cultural debates. On Chinese platforms like Weibo, netizens have expressed divided opinions, with some supporting the government’s push to curb foreign influence, while others criticize the restrictions as an overreach. Some comments mock the government’s stance, suggesting that officials could establish a “cosplay police” to regulate costumes year-round.
Increasing Role of Cultural Authorities
The Chinese government has also expanded the role of cultural law enforcement officers, tasked with regulating content and public behavior in line with state ideology. This enforcement body, known locally as “wenguan,” frequently oversees media content, cultural events, and public displays. Halloween, with its emphasis on self-expression, stands in contrast to the government’s preferred cultural values and falls under the scrutiny of these authorities.
In addition to banning costumes and Halloween decorations, Shanghai authorities have warned of potential penalties for participants who defy the restrictions. The policy has sparked debate among locals and expatriates who see Halloween as a harmless cultural exchange, with some Chinese residents questioning why such strict measures are needed for what is perceived as an innocent, family-friendly holiday.
China’s Cultural Policy and the Future of Western Holidays
Looking forward, these Halloween restrictions illustrate China’s increasingly firm stance on Western cultural influences. While many Chinese cities previously allowed Halloween celebrations to unfold with minimal oversight, officials now view these events with suspicion, especially as public gatherings could lead to displays of dissent. This crackdown, combined with recent measures against Western-style comedy and media, indicates a broader policy shift aimed at containing Western cultural elements in favor of “purifying” public life with traditional values.
As China continues to balance public sentiment and cultural policies, the Halloween clampdown could be a signal of greater government intervention in other Western-themed celebrations. Many Chinese social media users, however, remain vocal about their discontent with these policies, often expressing their frustration through satire and humor online. It remains to be seen how the government will handle these expressions, but for now, Halloween’s presence in China is being carefully monitored, with limits in place on how the holiday can be celebrated.
By tightening restrictions on foreign cultural events, Chinese authorities aim to limit the influence of Western celebrations while promoting domestic festivals. Whether this trend will extend to additional holidays remains uncertain, but Halloween 2024 serves as a key example of China’s strategic approach to cultural governance.
By: hydrovlab.utpl.edu.ec, sites.gettysburg.edu, canvas.donga.edu.vn, tapchivatuyentap.tlu.edu.vn, alumni.life.edu, ucgp.jujuy.edu.ar, manifold.eku.edu, share.nmu.edu, enauczanie.pg.edu.pl, portfolio.stsw.edu.pl.
