The rise of modern ceremonies

Ceremonies can now take place online instead of in person. Liu, for instance, arranged online birthday parties for friends who are away on business trips. They would create videos with heartfelt messages or play emoji-based games in WeChat group chats. "Even if we can't meet in person, these creative virtual gatherings can still foster a sense of togetherness," said Liu.

For today's youth, everything can be celebrated. Li, an enthusiast of scripted murder games, known as jubensha in Chinese, recently marked her completion of 200 different scripted murder games. To her, these games provided a platform to experience various roles in a short period of time.

"Despite being in my 20s, I've already lived through 200 different lives in these games," Li said. "Also, the bonds that I've formed with my friends through these 'lives' are special and worth celebrating."

Even events traditionally seen in a negative light can be a reason for celebration.

Last summer, Hu worked with a client who wanted to throw a divorce party for her friend, celebrating her stepping out of an unhealthy marriage and wishing her well as she embraced a fresh start.

"Divorce isn't typically celebrated in eras that prioritize tradition and stability," said Ren. She explained that as modern society undergoes rapid changes and uncertainties, young people are more inclined to embrace events traditionally seen as negative; they tend to accept and redefine these events in a positive way through personalized ceremonies.

"These ceremonies mirror contemporary social values and influence the structure of modern life," Ren said.

However, while the sense of ceremony has become more integrated into the daily lives of young people, Li noted that life shouldn't be confined to these festivities. She stressed the importance of staying focused on the purpose of celebrations: whether one engages in the ceremony merely for show or for the joy and fulfillment it brings by breaking the monotony of daily routines.

For example, Li and her friends take pleasure in dressing up, but they encourage choosing clothes from their existing wardrobes or buying items that can be worn on a regular basis. They also respect the wishes of friends who prefer not to have elaborate birthday celebrations.

"Life should not be bound by the sense of ceremony, nor should it become a burden, whether in terms of finances or time," Li said.

Hu, despite working as a party planner, also believes that ceremonies don't necessarily have to be grand affairs. They can be as simple as a delicious breakfast, a bouquet of flowers, Chinese New Year decorations, or a new school bag for a child on their first day of school.

"A ceremony is not about how much money you spend or how extravagant the event is; it's about showing respect and love for life," Hu said.

Contact the writer at mengwenjie@i21st.cn