Mainland Chinese netizens are on a trend of raising mango pits. After the previous trend among young people of keeping ‘Paper Dogs’ (dogs made from cardboard boxes), the local area is now seeing the trend of raising mango pits (which some netizens have named ‘Mango Dogs’). In order to ‘raise’ the pits well, many young people rename and comb their pits, and even take them out for walks. They also teach others how to create ‘raisable’ pits. The rise of ‘Mango Dogs’ has once again drawn attention to the mental health of young people.
Mainland Chinese youths are raising mango pits!
Last year, as the mainland continued its strict epidemic prevention policies, many colleges and universities ordered campus lockdowns, not allowing students to leave freely to reduce the spread of the virus. Students were trapped on campuses for months, making ‘Paper Dogs’ out of cardboard boxes as companions to ease their boredom, and walked them around campus to meet and gather with other ‘Paper Dog’ makers.
However, even after the peak of the pandemic, the trend of ‘raising’ inanimate objects did not subside. Recently, many young people on the mainland have started ‘raising’ mango pits. Some youths even share online how to make ‘raisable’ pits and how to ‘raise’ them well, with some naming their ‘raised’ mango pits as ‘Mango Dogs’.
Some netizens revealed the origin of their ‘Mango Dogs’ – first peeling the mango, then washing and scrubbing the pit clean, then combing and drying the pit, and finally sticking ‘eyes’ onto the pit. Others mentioned that they have named their pits and even groom and clean them daily, even taking ‘them’ out for walks.
Some even created online tutorials to teach ‘fellow travelers’ how to dye the pits and use clay to create facial features, making them more personalized.
Mental Health of ‘Mango Dog’ Owners Draws Attention: Netizens Say Young People Have Too Much Free Time
Older netizens have been focusing on the mental health of young people, wondering just how bad the mental state of today’s young people is, to have such interests. However, there are also netizens criticizing ‘Mango Dog’ owners for wasting time and not doing anything productive. Some ‘pet owners’ responded online that raising mango pits is a form of emotional support, and the soft touch of the pit helps them relax. Despite others finding it strange, their behavior has not affected others.