Ritual and Empathy: On Cross-border Spring Festival Galas Jointly Held by China and Southeast Asian Countries——Taking 2023 China-Vietnam Cross-border Spring Festival Gala themed “Establishing A Deep Friendship and Working Together for Common Development” as an Example

Abstract

Consensus is the foundation for a cooperative development between countries. The cross-border Spring Festival gala, as a grand-scale cultural communication ritual, can foster understanding and consensus between countries. The China-Vietnam Cross-border Spring Festival Gala is a classic example of how China and Southeast Asian countries cooperate to hold cross-border Spring Festival galas. It performs the function of ritualization by delivering the spirit of the times of mutual integration and communication around the world through ritual summoning, co-building China-Vietnam cultural memories through ritual gathering and co-constructing the awareness of community of shared future through ritual sharing. The cross-border Spring Festival gala has become an important means for China to strengthen cultural exchanges with Southeast Asian countries.