Never have historical figures been so popular, even those from ancient mythology.

Several localities have staged public ceremonies to pay tribute to a goddess who is said to have mended the broken heaven in Chinese mythology. A county has spent millions of yuan in building a giant statue of Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).

Behind such ludicrous activities is the attempt to promote development of the local economy. Such activities are seen as creating fame for a locality, something a local government can use to attract investment.

What the newly minted rituals epitomize is not respect for these outstanding historical or legendary figures but worship of the possible wealth that such activities can engender.

"To build a stage with culture for the economy to stage the show" (wenhuadatai jingjichangji) was the popular saying several years ago to describe government officials' craze for organizing festivals to attract business and investment.

Now historical and legendary figures have become the excuses for building the stage, but what is on the stage remains unchanged.

It is quite unlikely that such ceremonies will work as expected. Many turn out to be a waste of labor and money.

Then why do many local government leaders still fancy them?

It is because they love the formalities of delivering speeches, cutting ribbons and being presented with flowers, from which they get the psychological satisfaction of wielding their power and showing off their authority.

If money can be extracted from local enterprises or from levies on local residents, a government may even make some money by staging such ceremonies. What a good business for local government leaders!

What has been lacking is the down-to-earth work style that is essential for honest and effective governance.

What local residents really need is solid investigation into the real problems that prevent them from getting a decent life. They need practical measures that can help them with their work and life. The money squandered on these formality-dominated ceremonies should be invested in endeavors that deserve to attract investment.

(China Daily 06/06/2007 page10)

Stop vanity rituals(Over)
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