The “sense of ritual” (仪式感) was once a buzzword term, but has since become part of our daily language. It originated in the late 2010s, during a time of “consumption upgrade”, when Chinese middle-class consumers were aspiring for more. The “sense of ceremony” in the small things in life brings meaning and importance to the banal every day. Quality time with your loved ones, celebrating anniversaries at a proper restaurant or a home-cooked feast, a hug, a mindfully coordinated outfit, a bath or afternoon tea can be turned into rituals. This will not only calm the mind but also give weight to daily tasks.
Nowadays, with the high-pressure and fast pace of city life, the “sense of ceremony” is becoming harder to achieve. Young people are now aiming for a “lighter” type of life which might mean breaking down their workout into smaller, easier-to-operate parts instead of a dedicated run or gym session. Young people in China are minimising travel, instead opting for shorter journeys by going to the outskirts of the city for hiking, biking or foraging instead of travelling too far. Even socialising has become “we got to know each other means we’ve socialised”. Less commitment, less performative interaction, just enough for your social needs.
But it doesn’t mean we don’t want the sense of ritual. One would argue that it makes it even more sacred than before. We can find the sense of ritual in smaller amounts, meaning the “gap day” and 20 minutes in the park are not lacking in ritualistic value, but are bite-sized blocks in our lives. This will also make those significant rituals, such as anniversaries or traditional festivals, even more solemn.
I often wonder if the “sense of ritual” can be traced back to anthropologist Victor Turner (1920-1983), who viewed rituals as liminal experiences: transitional stages that temporarily suspend the normal social order. Perhaps this is why the sense of ritual appeals to those who feel trapped in the banality of daily work and life. Rather than disappearing, it has simply adapted to the current environment and will remain as long as Chinese consumers continue to seek “emotional value.