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Young Chinese celebrates single's day
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One - one - one - one is a highly significant date! Today, November the 11th - or eleven-eleven - is national "single's day" in China. And unattached people all across the country are being encouraged to revel in their independence.
Walking hand in hand with your partner is about as romantic as it gets for many people. But today, single people across the country are proudly celebrating their status- as November the 11th is China's "Single's Day."
Henry Yan is 28 years old. He runs his own education agency - and he is happy with his bachelor status.
Henry Yan said, "I'm going to a party today, a single's party for single's day. We'll celebrate our freedom tonight. I have my own car, house and career, and I have nothing to worry about."
Iris Liu works for Henry. She is also single, but as a single woman, she finds there is more pressure on her.
Iris Liu said, "My parents keep telling me to find a boyfriend. But I haven't met the right person yet."
A marital status report carried out in 2008 showed there were around one hundred and 80 million people in China of traditional marital age. But among this huge number, only around 11 million registered marriages took place.
Duan Chengrong, Director of Institute of Population Research, Renmin University, said, "Nowadays, more and more young people postpone marriage to their late 20s, or even their early 30s. Many of them are seeking better education. If they don't meet a boyfriend or girlfriend in college, then once they go to work, they don't have much chance to find a partner."
Being single doesn't necessarily mean being alone, however. Single's Day encourages people to enjoy their lives, whatever their circumstances - and to always remember the old saying... who knows what the future may bring?
