The large lantern in the shape of a white-eared, orange-bodied rabbit was criticized by the Chinese online community as “too ugly”, ruining the characteristic cuteness of this animal and not fitting the Tet atmosphere.
The giant rabbit-shaped lantern that appeared in Chongqing, China was removed following the country’s online community mocked the appearance, according to Independent.
A large-sized lantern, equivalent to a 5-storey building, simulating the year’s mascot with red eyes and stylized eyebrows, was erected in Tam Ha Square before the Lunar New Year to decorate the year. new.
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| A model of a rabbit-shaped lantern in Chongqing City. Photo: TrueScoop. |
However, the reaction of viewers was not very positive. This image of the rabbit was later shared on social networks in China.
“The rabbit has wavy eyebrows and looks like a man with a serious face. It doesn’t fit the Lunar New Year atmosphere that needs to be cheerful and cute,” one user commented. “I don’t think it’s ugly but it’s definitely not pretty,” another commented.
Similarly, others consider rabbits to be a loving and gentle animal in Chinese culture. Meanwhile, the lantern evokes the feeling of a rabbit more like a “scary” animal.
After this decoration was criticized, the management of the commercial area next to Tam Ha Square ordered it to be removed. Photos and video footage showed workers climbing to the top of the giant lamp and starting to dismantle the rabbit.
“Internet users say that the rabbit lantern in the square is too ugly. After there was a complaint, we hired someone to demolish it,” the management representative said.
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| The green rabbit stamp is also criticized as bad for the image of the year’s mascot. Photo: BBC. |
The move continues to be controversial. Some said the removal of the lantern was unnecessary and added creativity should be given a chance.
Previously, a special stamp template issued exclusively by China Post earlier this month to celebrate the 2023 Lunar Year of the Rabbit also received many criticisms for “bad design”.
The blue bunny is drawn by famous artist Huang Yongyu, has a blue body and red eyes, and holds a pen and paper in his hand. However, viewers compared this rabbit’s appearance to being more like a mouse, even calling it “rabbit elf”, “devil”.
However, the controversial stamp was still sold out on the first day of sale and the price even tripled.
