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Move over, Santa Claus—there's a new, historically-rooted gift-giver in town. Oboi, a formidable military commander from China's Qing dynasty, is undergoing a whimsical cultural makeover. Thanks to the creative forces of young people and internet culture, this once-feared figure is being reimagined as a charming, local version of Father Christmas, capturing the public's imagination.
A "Santa" Takes Flight in Guangdong
The trend recently took physical form at a tourist resort in Zhanjiang, Guangdong. A viral video showed an actor portraying Oboi—donning a red official's hat, a thick white beard, and Qing dynasty robes—soaring through the air in a sleigh pulled by two wooden reindeer, waving cheerfully to visitors below amidst artificial snow and festive decor.
"I thought I was seeing things. China has its own Santa. This is hilarious!" remarked one amazed tourist. Resort staff explained the inspiration came from a classic Hong Kong comedy and the visual similarity: "Oboi resembles Santa Claus. We aim to bring joy to tourists."
From "First Warrior" to Internet Meme
The historical Oboi was a polar opposite of jolly. A skilled warrior and one of the Four Regents for the young Emperor Kangxi, he was known as the "First Warrior" of the Qing dynasty before his consolidation of power led to his downfall and imprisonment.
Today, the internet has reshaped his legacy. Young netizens seized on the phonetic fun that his name, Oboi, sounds like "all buy," perfectly matching Christmas shopping spirit. His image has exploded online, with related videos surpassing 1 billion views on Douyin. AI-generated remixes of Jingle Bells featuring his story have become popular, and costumes of his official uniform are selling as "Christmas outfits" for 150 yuan.
Cultural Fusion and Debate
This reinvention reflects a broader trend of historical figures being revitalized through modern, playful creativity. As one netizen put it, "Oboi has made this Christmas feel approachable and lovable for the Chinese populace." He and Santa are now jointly hailed as symbols of the benevolent "super grandfather."
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Editor: Crystal H
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