If you don’t fully understand the cultural and scientific depth, let’s discuss this from a perspective everyone in business understands: IP (Intellectual Property).
My experience dealing with IP matters at a multinational company taught me one simple rule: if you use someone’s creation, you credit the owner. Period.
Yet, some people want to rename “Chinese New Year” to something else. Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about being “inclusive.” It’s about basic IP respect.
Here’s why this issue matters:
1. It undermines a proprietary system: The calendar isn’t just “moon phases.” It’s a complex scientific system calculated by China’s Purple Mountain Observatory. Treating it generically is like using Windows but calling it “generic computer system.”
2. It causes brand dilution: In business, we fight to protect brand names from becoming generic. “Chinese New Year” dates back over 3,000 years and is still updated continuously. Erasing “Chinese” erases its origin.
3. It disrespects scientific labor: Scientists work hard to calculate the exact dates. Ignoring the name ignores their work.
Respecting diversity means respecting origins. Just as we protect patents and trademarks at work to keep the market fair, we should protect cultural heritage too.
Don’t scrub the name. Call it Chinese New Year.
It’s accurate, it’s respectful, and it upholds the very principle of intellectual property that protects us all. Let’s not set a precedent where origin stories can be erased without consequence.