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Posts: 747

Shifu

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Q: Old men carrying bird cages?

Each morning walking to work I see old men carrying bird cages.

Any theory behind this or just another option instead of walking the dog?

12 years 1 week ago in  Culture - China

 
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Posts: 3025

Emperor

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It could be many different things, from the one you suggested to maybe bringing those birds to a merchant, or to a street market to sell.

I guess that if it really puzzles you that much, try following him one day and see what he does with the birds and cages.  You might be in for a surprise.

Nothing in China surprises me anymore.  Last week I saw a neighbor buying some small fishes at a pet shop.  Knowing he does not have an aquarium, I asked him why buy fishes ?.  His answer really surprised me, since he said they were to be a religious offering.  He will go to the river and release them, in his mind giving them back their normal life.  In turn, the River God will grant him a longer, healthier and auspicious life as a reward for his actions.

brisguy:

I mainly see it in the park and they have the bird cage hanging on the tree doing stretches.

12 years 1 week ago
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12 years 1 week ago
 
Posts: 783

Shifu

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I see a lot of old men gathered together in the park with their birds feathered type,my wife said its so the birds can talk to each other

HappyExPat:

Yes, I would not doubt that at all, it seems like a good reason or excuse to have something to look foward to each day

12 years 1 week ago
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GuilinRaf:

I love watching the old guys with their birds! They just laugh and point at each others birds and seem to have a good time!

12 years 1 week ago
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12 years 1 week ago
 
Posts: 1318

Emperor

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Naw that's their secret to their old age.  They know the air in China isn't exactly the cleanest in the world; so it's basically the canary in the coal mine to warn them of extremely smoggy areas.

Or after raising your grandchild, they just feel strange not having somebody with them at all time.  Empty nest mentality.

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12 years 1 week ago
 
Posts: 332

Shifu

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Flower, birds, fishes and bugs are traditional hobbys for Chinese people. especially for old men. Raise birds could bring a lot of funs for their retired life, just like other people who like raise cats and dogs. 

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Posts: 332

Shifu

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Flower, birds, fishes and bugs are traditional hobbys for Chinese people. especially for old men. Raise birds could bring a lot of funs for their retired life, just like other people who like raise cats and dogs. 

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12 years 1 week ago
 
Posts: 42

Governor

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Dog is to bird as leash is to cage.

I would love to walk my cat or chincilla on a leash.

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I think it's very cool they carry their lil buddies around, outside for "fresh" air.

I take my parrot outside with me often. He puts on a diaper so I'm not getting poo down my back and a leash connects to it.  The purple on his chest is his flight suit. 

  

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12 years 1 week ago
 
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