It is today Singles’ Day. Never heard about it? Well, I didn’t either until Rob told me some days ago about it. It seems to be something very big in China.
Singles’ Day or Guanggun is an entertaining festival widespread among young Chinese people, to celebrate the fact that they are proud of being single. The date, November 11th (11/11), is chosen because the number “1” resembles an individual that is alone.
It seems that Singles’ Day serves as an occasion for single people to party with single friends. The holiday was initially only celebrated by young men, but is now widely celebrated by both genders. ‘Blind date’ parties are also popular during this day in an attempt to bid goodbye to their single lives.
It is the idea that singles buy for themselves a nice present on this day. And that creates a huge sales madness which give companies a big sales income. It would not surprise me at all that in a few years we have Singles’ Day over here in Europe as well.
We will see, but to be honest? I am happy not the be a single! 
(Credit picture: Zamora News)
I’m afraid you are right and that in a few years we have adapted to the very commercial event. And the people who will celebrate this event the most are also the ones that will complain the loudest that we neglect the “real Dutch traditions” (what ever those may be).
Weird people those Dutch!