Stages of History | Parades and Celebrations
Tiananmen Square was the center of national celebrations
and mass gatherings. The annual National Day parade (October 1), major
demonstrations of support
for the government, and protests against China’s enemies were all
held there.
Despite the regimented nature of these celebrations, differences
in their tone and emphasis were apparent over the years, reflecting their
times.
Prior to the Cultural Revolution, events held on the Square had a joyous
atmosphere, as shown by colorfully-clad children, flowers, balloons,
and peace doves. (See 1954.) Parade floats emphasized a
desire for material well-being and for a prosperous, stable society.
(See 1964.) It was
precisely
this
kind of desire,
however, that Mao increasingly felt was detracting from his revolutionary
ideal. Consequently, parades held during the Cultural Revolution had
a distinct revolutionary cast: they were devoid of any color other than
red, and they focused strictly on the revolution’s leader and its
ideology. (See 1969.)
