Children’s Day is here once again. While it may be the perfect time for the little ones to blackmail their parents for an iPad, in the good old days, all what they wanted was a 4 cent Horse-Head Popsicle.
Today we take a look back at what children in Nanjing liked to do to celebrate and in the meantime, we bring back some classic treats from the ‘90s to mark this special day. So, let’s take that stroll down gustatory lane, shall we?
“Häagen-Dazs for Republic Xiaogui”
During Republican times, the Matou (Horse Head) Popsicle was seen as a delicacy for children in Nanjing. They used to cost 4 cents each (equal to more than ¥100 today), rising to a whopping 80 cents because it had won the hearts of many Nanjing Xiaogui (little children).
“I didn’t get to eat Matou Popsicles unless it was Children’s day or my birthday”, said Mr. Liu, a 75 years old retired teacher who took his grandson to visit an ice-cream shop in Laomendong where he could buy horse-head popisicles which have almost disappeared from today’s market.
“It still tasted like childhood for me… but my grandson didn’t think it is too special”, Mr. Liu chuckled. “It’s all about the memory.”
Neverland
A “Lao Nanjing” (old Nanjing resident) Mr. Pu told reporters that Gulou Park used to be the biggest Amusement park in Nanjing during Republican times. It was built in August 1935 and destroyed by the Japanese during wartime.
“The interesting thing is that no grown-ups were allowed to go in. It’s just like Neverland.”
Children used to have a day off on Children’s day and they would go rowing on Xuanwu Lake or visit the amusement parks. Back then there were only see-saws and slides but they still were enough for children to have a good time.
Background
Children’s Day was established in 1949 by the “Democratic Federation of Women” Congress in Paris. China was one of the first countries to support the initiative. In December 1949, by the PRC government decision, 1 June was announced International Children’s Day.
It should be noted that prior to this decree, China had a similar holiday, “Ertun Tse”, which was established in 1931 and celebrated on 4 April every year.
This is the day when the whole country celebrates with cards, presents, special foods, parades and other activities. Although schools remain open, children do not have to attend class and are free of homework. The point was for students to participate in a wide variety of activities to strengthen allegiances to their country, have fun, and (hopefully) join youth organisations such as the Communist Youth League.
To mark this day, this correspondent bought some classic treats that my friends and I used to furtively shovel into our mouths during class.
We also asked students from Nanjing International School Grade 10 who are with us for their Work Week to try them and see what they think.
“Puppet” 长鼻王
Deriving its name from the famous Disney character Pinocchio, whose nose grows longer every time he lies, we are supposed to feel we are eating that very nose, with its similar shape and a taste of Cheetos, according to one of our Work Week students.
“Green-Tongue” 绿舌头
A green jelly popsicle shaped like a tongue that also feels like it if you put in your mouth.
No wonder Juan from Ecuador thought, “It can make you happy if you aren’t feeling well”.
White Rabbit Candy 大白兔奶糖
A chewy creamy candy wrapped in edible rice paper; many a knock-off exists but the original one tastes the best. Our visiting students issued a warning, “don’t chew them because they are so sticky”.
“Tiao-Tiao Candy”
The Chinese version of Pop-Rocks that makes a loud sizzling sound that could be a teacher’s nightmare if whole class starts to eat them.
The students from NIS thought thought, “It’s a party in the mouth”.
