Society

Red songs draw crowd in park

By Sun Li (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-06-15 08:09

BEIJING - Waving a red flag, Chen Zhaofeng led a group of retirees and elderly residents in song as they merrily danced to music playing in the background.

Her energy seemed to uplift the audience at Jingshan Park, as many joined her soul-infused crooning of China's red songs.

Voice of the people A woman leads the singing of patriotic songs, at Beijing's Jingshan Park on Tuesday, to celebrate the upcoming 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China on July 1. [Photo by Andy Wong / Associated Press]

"I come to the park to sing red songs almost every weekend, rain or shine. I've done it for a decade," said Chen, a Beijing resident who lives near the park.

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"I enjoy belting out these familiar melodies with my 'singing buddies'. The music makes me feel young and brings back some great memories."

Chen is a leading member of a red song team of people who like to visit Jingshan Park. On Tuesday, she was accompanied by many other teams celebrating the upcoming 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) by indulging themselves in red tunes.

According to Zhang Yichun, who works at Jingshan Park, the singing started in 1992 with scores of participants.

"Most of the singers are elderly people who usually sing classical songs, such as Long March based on the poem composed by Chairman Mao Zedong and I Love You, China, a popular paean," Zhang explained.

Chen Zhaofeng said although many of her fellow singers live very far from the park, they never hesitate to show up.

"We share the same passion for the songs. They are the tokens of our generation. Singing red songs is our way to express our love for the country and our positive attitude toward life," the 59-year-old said.

"This activity is also my favorite pastime," said Wu Cheng, 60, who has been with the choir since 2000.

"Mostly, we are joined by retired elderly, especially on weekends. By singing together we recall our golden youth and keep fit as well," he said, adding that the activity has become more popular with the approach of July 1, which marks the birthday of the CPC.

"I could not think of a better and more delightful way to eulogize the historical development and show thankful feelings than singing here," said Wu, who clenched his fist and cheered as a red song came to a crescendo.

Melissa Chan, a Chinese-American correspondent with pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV who came to cover the singing activity, said she is amazed by this form of celebration.

"We won't commemorate the birthday of a political party in the United States by singing at open spaces. Usually, we have a barbeque and a parade," Chan said.

"It is quite interesting to see elderly people passionately singing songs to celebrate an important event."