All over China, you see children wearing red scarves around their necks.
The red scarf indicates that these students are members of a special Communist Party organization just for children aged 6-14– the Young Pioneers.
The red color represents the blood sacrificed by martyrs of the Revolution. I’m not sure how much the children really understand of the significance of the scarf. It’s almost more of an accessory to their school day dress. Because it’s so cheerful, even I hardly consider the deeper meanings. I simply think, “There is a child coming home from school.”
If you buy one of the kits from my good friend Yang Ge, you’ll get your very own, authentic red scarf mailed to you all the way from China!
We bought one of these kits and it’s so nice 🙂 We only did a quick brief week-long summary of ancient China but it was nice to have some hands-on “authentic” China things.
Always inspired by my reading here,
~Mrs.Cuddles
.-= Mrs.Cuddles´s last blog ..Take a Child Outside Week =-.
Maybe I’ll order one and redeem it… I’ll wear it as a remembrance of the blood of Jesus that was shed on our behalf and covers our iniquity…hmmmm….
.-= Lainie@ Mishmash Maggie´s last blog ..While The Cat’s Away The Mouse Will… Build Stuff? =-.
We ordered one of the kits, and they are really cool.
Of course after I explained the origin of the red scarf and it’s meaning, my dd totally refused to put it on, which is fine!!! So it’s put away… but it is a fabulous learning tool, as is the whole kit, and provides wonderful opportunities for all types of discussions!
I highly recommend ordering one.
We ordered one of the kits, too. We also explained the meaning of the red scarf…my daughter was a little sad about why they wore the scarf and puzzled about why they can’t have freedom like we do. After a few thoughtful moments, she proudly announced that since she is an American, she can wear that scarf to help her remember to pray for those children! She gave her scarf a whole new meaning. Amazing.
Lainie and Jo Anne have the right ideas!
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..The Lucky Charms Experiment =-.
wonderful resource, I can’t wait to order mine–dd will be thrilled!
I am a 6th grader who attends SMIC Private School in Shanghai, China.
Since I go to a Taiwanese School in Shanghai, we are not required to wear red scarves. My friends who go to International Schools in which they are required to speak English throughout the whole day are also not required to wear red scarves. In our school, we are currently studying a novel called the RED SCARF GIRL by Ji-li Jiang which gives us a clear insight on China during the Cultural Revolution. I don’t think I’ll need to order a kit, though! I see them everyday, everywhere!!