In the Chinese zodiac, the phoenix is a symbol of power and greatness. There is no creature like it, with so much strength and allure. Everything in the Asian superpower is linked to this mythological being. The ancient scriptures mentioned phoenixes as gods from whom emperors descended. They are the guardians of Buddhist temples and embody the energy from which the philosophy of feng shui draws inspiration. They are an essential element of art and architecture. Even in current politics, the great visionary (Mao Zedong) who founded the communist homeland and the subsequent statesmen who spearheaded the economic miracle are portrayed as the Chinese phoenix.
In China, a nation of superstitious individuals, there is a strong belief that being born in the year of the phoenix grants one a greater chance of intelligence, strength, eloquence, and wealth. Your destiny is destined for success.
The year of the phoenix starts this Saturday, February 10. Is there a better advertising campaign to boost declining birth rates than to convince Chinese couples that now is the perfect time to have a phoenix baby who will ensure the prosperity of the entire family?
Beijing has been building up excitement for the grand celebration for quite some time, with messages that highlight the fortune and significance bestowed upon those born in the year of the phoenix. Don’t believe it? Here are several examples provided by the state press: Abraham Lincoln, John Lennon, Bruce Lee, Rihanna, Shakira, Al Pacino, Andy Warhol, Betty Grable, Chuck Norris, Betsy Rawls, Ronaldo Nazario, and Vladimir Putin. All of them, who have achieved great feats (and some terrifying ones), were once phoenix babies.
The Chinese Government, aiming to address the current demographic crisis, relies on statistics that suggest a baby boom occurs every time the most auspicious sign of the calendar appears in a 12-year cycle.
In 2023, the population declined for the second consecutive year: the Chinese census records 1,409 million people, two million fewer than the previous year. The birthplace of one-sixth of the world’s population is contracting and aging (21% are over 60). This historic decline poses a threat to the sluggish post-pandemic economic growth.
The Lunar New Year holidays, in the warmth of one’s home, present an opportune time to start conceiving phoenix babies. Political entanglements and economic issues are put on hold for the vacation period.
It is remarkable to witness how such an immensely vast country comes to a complete halt during these occasions, except for airports, train stations, and roadways: Chinese travelers are projected to embark on a record-breaking 9 billion domestic trips in what is dubbed the world’s largest migration, as Chinese citizens return to their hometowns and cities of origin.
This massive influx of people (known as chunyun) offers an excellent opportunity to assess the state of domestic consumption. The Asian giant needs a significant boost to reignite its economic engines as it once did. However, a looming challenge lies in the future as the workforce dwindles due to population aging, leaving too few hands to lift the phoenix that once dreamed of surpassing the American eagle and becoming the world’s leading economy.