Fengshun's countryside then and now: the differences between childhood and today bring tears to your eyes
The countryside - whenever I see these two words, I can't help but think of my old home. It is the hometown filled with childhood memories, and it has become the most important part of my life. On a certain level, the countryside is a symbol of an era, and even more so the bittersweet memories of a generation, mixed with far too much emotion.
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
Most people lived in tile-roofed houses
But they were full of lively spirit
Now
Many live in small Western-style villas
Yet only stay for a few days during Chinese New Year
No matter how beautiful, it is still just a hotel
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
Big matters were all decided by the village elders
The whole village helped one another, harmonious and united
Now
It is no longer the elders who have the final say
Whoever has money has the right to speak
Neighbors, brothers and sisters can turn into enemies
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
Everyone was a skilled farmer
Though it was not enough to get rich
At least they ate with peace of mind
Now
Young people no longer farm the land
The land relies entirely on pesticides and fertilizers
More and more fields are left barren......
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
If a girl behaved even slightly improperly
She would be pointed at and gossiped about everywhere
Now
Even if a girl latches onto a rich man outside
Not only is she not blamed or scolded
She is even praised for being capable!
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
Conditions were tough
After school, tending cattle while never forgetting to study
Now
Going online and looking at a phone is enough
No time to read books
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
As long as you were upright and hardworking
You never had to worry about not finding a girl to marry
Fengshun's countryside now
Without a car and without a house
It really is not so easy to find a wife
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
For public projects, building bridges and roads
Those with money gave money, those with strength gave strength
Without a word of complaint
Fengshun's countryside now
Some burn paper firecrackers three chi thick for their own family
Yet are unwilling to put out a little money to improve conditions in the village
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
Everyone had a craft they excelled at
Making furniture, farm tools, woven baskets
Caponizing chickens, mending pots and shoes
Skilled in every one of them
Fengshun's countryside now
Young people are too lazy to even cook a dish
Traditional crafts are slowly disappearing
Fengshun's countryside in childhood
Green mountains and clear waters everywhere
Fish and shrimp filling every river
Fengshun's countryside now
The mountains are desolate, overgrown with weeds or planted all over with fast-growing eucalyptus
Garbage can be seen everywhere along the streams and rivers
Too foul to bear the smell
Electrofishing runs rampant, fish and shrimp are hard to find