What Is Single's Day? Chinese Holiday, Shopping Festival Celebrating Singlehood

Well, there's Valentine's Day, why wouldn't there be a day to celebrate the singles? Uniquely and interestingly, to mark all those people who are either unmarried or not involved in any romantic relationship, China brings up a magnificent shopping bonanza experience for its citizens every year. Originally called Bachelor's Day, the Chinese people hold great pride in the Single's Day celebration and engage in fun shopping experiences, making themselves feel special.

Every year on November 11, China celebrates Single's Day, also called Bachelor's Day, in an attempt to honour and celebrate singlehood by hosting an extensive shopping festival.

Suggested Reading: How Singlehood Has Finally Emerged As The New Cool For Women

What is Singles Day or Bachelor's Day?

The conception of Single's Day first happened back in the 1990s. The idea's seed was planted by some University students who decided that while couples have their special days, it is important to celebrate singlehood too. The day was first observed at Nanjing University and as its popularity increased the idea was widely accepted across the country.

November 11 was chosen as the date to mark this special day because 1 signifies a solo person, a unique ideology and status that people believed should be considered as a mascot for singles. Hence 11/11 became an official day to celebrate singlehood and an unofficial Chinese holiday that is now observed throughout the country.

Several celebrities are expected to perform for the Single Day galas organised by big companies in the country. In 2019, Taylor Swift performed at the gala organised by the e-commerce company Alibaba.

Why the shopping festival?

The idea initially was that single people would spend money on themselves and make purchases that would make them happy. The festival shenanigans came much later. With the increase in popularity of the day, the country started hosting fairs, and shopping bonanza festivals both online and offline so more people could participate. People started partaking in the festival and began sending money on what made them happy. This kind of accomplishment was also observed as a rebellious act against the societal pressure to find partners.

The shopping festival observation came as a bonus served on a platter for companies because this was an opportunity to gain popularity alongside making insurmountable sales given the Chinese population.

In 2009, e-commerce giant Alibaba denoted Single's Day as the biggest online shopping festival offering lucrative offers and discounts to purchasers. Several companies jumped on the bandwagon gaming a win-win opportunity for both buyers and sellers. In 2021, both platforms Alibaba and JD.com set the highest record sales on November 11.

With the slow-growth economy this year, the coming Single's Day can prove to be a positive breaking point for the same. According to reports, Single’s Day will mark the largest merchant presence in its history this year as it will boast approximately 3 lakh brands.