Tiếng Việt
International Singles Day is a celebration of being single and independent that takes place every year on November 11. It originated in China in the 1990s, but has since spread to other parts of the world, especially through online platforms and e-commerce. It is also known as the 11.11 Day, Double Eleven, or the Anti-Valentine’s Day.
History of International Singles Day
The idea of celebrating Singles Day was first proposed by a group of students at Nanjing University in China in 1993. They chose November 11 as the date because the four ones (11.11) represent four singles. They wanted to create a day to counteract the social pressure of finding a partner and to embrace their single status. They also wanted to have fun with their friends and treat themselves with gifts and entertainment.
“I can buy myself flowers” like the lyrics in a song
The concept of Singles Day gradually gained popularity among young Chinese people, especially with the rise of the internet and social media. In 2009, Alibaba, China’s largest e-commerce company, decided to turn Singles Day into a massive online shopping festival, offering huge discounts and promotions on its platforms. The move was a huge success, attracting millions of customers and generating billions of dollars in sales.
Since then, Singles Day has become the world’s largest shopping event, surpassing Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. Other e-commerce platforms, such as JD.com and Pinduoduo, have also joined the competition, offering their own deals and incentives. Singles Day has also expanded beyond China, reaching consumers in Southeast Asia, Europe, America, and other regions.
Customs in International Singles Day
Singles Day is celebrated in various ways by different people, depending on their preferences and goals. Some of the common customs include:
International Singles Day is not a boring day
- Shopping online: Online shopping is the main activity of Singles Day, as millions of people take advantage of the discounts and offers available on various platforms. Some people even prepare their shopping carts in advance and wait for midnight to place their orders. Some of the most popular items include electronics, clothing, cosmetics, household goods, and food.
- Treating oneself: Singles Day is also a day to pamper oneself and enjoy life. Some people buy themselves gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, jewelry, or books. Some also indulge in spa treatments, massages, or beauty services. Others may splurge on travel, entertainment, or dining out.
- Hanging out with friends: Singles Day is also a day to celebrate friendship and solidarity with other singles. Some people organize parties, outings, or gatherings with their friends to have fun and socialize. Some also play games, watch movies, or karaoke together.
- Finding love: For some people, Singles Day is also an opportunity to find love or romance. Some may use dating apps or websites to look for potential matches or dates. Some may also attend speed dating events or blind dates arranged by friends or agencies.
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