Ancient Chinese Tradition of ‘Selling Ignorance’ Endures Through Centuries
While many in China today gather to watch the CCTV New Year’s Gala, a tradition dating back roughly 1,000 years involved children actively participating in a playful, and somewhat boisterous, ritual known as “selling ignorance.”
The practice, called mai meng dong or mai chi dai, originated during the North Song dynasty (960-1127), a period marked by cultural and economic advancement. It involved groups of children running through the streets after finishing their New Year’s Eve dinner, shouting the phrase “selling ignorance.”
The act wasn’t simply random play; it was a symbolic gesture intended to rid themselves of foolishness and invite intelligence in the coming year. According to reports, children would approach passersby, and if the person acknowledged them, the children would excitedly proclaim, “I have sold my ignorance to you!”
The tradition began in Bianjin, the capital of the North Song dynasty, which corresponds to modern-day Kaifeng in Henan province. From there, it spread to central and southern China as the North Song court relocated.
The custom remained popular for hundreds of years, documented by prominent figures of the time. Poet Fan Chengda, novelist Zhou Mi, both of the South Song dynasty (1127-1279), and historian Gao Deji of the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) all recorded the practice in their writings.
The tradition is described as being akin to a children’s game, and some believe it also offered health benefits, though the exact nature of those benefits isn’t detailed in available sources. The practice highlights a fascinating aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations, demonstrating how customs evolve and endure across generations.
While the modern Lunar New Year is often characterized by televised galas and family gatherings, this ancient ritual offers a glimpse into a more active and participatory past, where children played a central role in symbolically ushering in a brighter, more intelligent future.