Red is the color of joy, pride

For me, red was once just the color of joy — so common, so deeply woven into the fabric of our celebrations, from the red couplets pasted on every door to the bright lanterns hanging over narrow alleyways and the vast expanse of red on our fluttering national flag — that I seldom tried to uncover the layers beneath.

It was everywhere, and so, to me, it was not a special color.

That was before I saw the gala commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on Wednesday night.

The production incorporated various types of performances, including musical and theatrical, to pay tribute to key historic figures and moments throughout the Chinese people's 14-year arduous war against Japanese aggression while expressing a forward-looking perspective on China's future development.

The color red saturated the whole gala — backdrops, lighting, props, stage fog and costumes — with its symbolism shifting meaningfully with each new scene.

For instance, in a performance that reproduced the Nanjing Massacre — during which Japanese troops killed over 300,000 Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers from Dec 13, 1937, to late January 1938 — the color red symbolized a blood-soaked city devastated by rape and looting.

During the battle scenes, the stage's massive LED wall erupted with explosive red cannon fire, while red smoke billowed up across the stage.

In a scene where soldiers from the CPC-led New Fourth Army fought against Japanese invaders on the battlefield with new ranks bravely stepping forward as others fell, the red flag they held high became a symbol of their fearless sacrifice and devotion to their homeland.

In battle after battle during the resistance against Japanese aggression, the Chinese people stood united as one. On stage, a vast expanse of red dominated the scenery, kindling a patriotic, revolutionary fire destined to sweep across the entire country.

"The red sun shines over the East," sang the performers, "as the goddess of liberty sings out in joyous chorus!"

Finally, the 14-year struggle culminated in victory in 1945. Suffering more than 35 million casualties, the Chinese military and civilians made an immense contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Then, against the red backdrop on the stage, a series of silhouettes flashed past. They represented nameless fighters from the war, each one a martyr who must be remembered.

As the performance drew to a close, the red curtains parted. On the LED backdrop wall, a rising sun emerged, casting a red glow that illuminated the Tian'anmen Rostrum.

And then a giant five-starred red flag showed up.

Hearing the precise footsteps and spirited shouts of the national flag group, I was deeply moved and inspired.

For me, a young Chinese woman who luckily grew up in an era of peace, red usually presented joy. Yet now, I realize that red is also a color embodying patriotic pride, unwavering conviction and sacred sacrifice. It's a color that represents something we must cherish with the deepest reverence.

The gala, which combined live performances, multimedia elements and immersive visual effects, truly has offered me a new perspective on the color of red.

It's now a special color that always reminds us of the long and arduous journey that forged our country, and reaffirms our enduring pursuit of peace and justice.