Home-Fear Groups|恐归一族

Home-Fear Groups

　　Most people think that going home for the Chinese New Year is a great time because everyone gets to see aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and even grandpas and grandmas that they have not seen in ages. There is a group of people, though, who are terribly afraid of Chinese New Year and being around their families that much. In English, this is called the home-fear group. In contrast to those anxious to return home during the Chinese New Year, these young people who work and live away from their hometowns have decided not to go back home for the holiday. According to a recent survey, over 41 percent of the respondents said they fear returning home during the Chinese New Year.

　　What led to this phenomenon? Everyone likes to see their cute niece or hear unfunny stories from their silly uncle. 70 percent of respondents said the cost of traveling home to see their family is the main reason they will not return home. Other reasons include the stress of the travel rush, parents pressuring their sons or daughters on marriage, or too many expensive social engagements that may make people feel awkward. The survey also shows that fear of losing face for not getting high enough marks in school or making enough money at their jobs is a reason the home-fear group refuses to travel home. For many young people working outside their hometowns, returning home without enough money or red envelopes for their families will make themselves and their parents lose face in front of neighbors and friends. They would rather avoid this gossip altogether by not going home.

恐归一族

　　大多数人都认为回家过新年是一个很棒的时刻，因为每个人都想看到好久不见的阿姨、叔叔、姪女、姪子，甚至是爷爷奶奶。然而，有一群人非常害怕过新年，也害怕花那么多时间和家人们在一起。在英文中，这称为『恐归族』。相较于那些在中国新年期间归心似箭的人，这些离乡背井到外地工作和生活的年轻人已决定这段假期不回家。根据最近的一项调查显示，有超过百分之四十一的受访者表示，他们害怕在中国新年期间返乡。

　　是什么导致了这种现象呢？每个人都喜欢看到他们可爱的姪女，或是听到他们的蠢叔叔说些无趣的故事。有百分之七十的受访者表示，回家探望家人的花费是他们不返乡的主要原因。其他的原因还包括大批人潮蜂拥回乡的压力、家长给儿子或女儿结婚的压力，或是有太多可能会让人觉得别扭的昂贵应酬。这项调查也显示，害怕在学校的成绩不够好或是在工作上赚的钱不够多会丢脸也是这些恐归族拒绝返乡的原因之一。对于许多在外地工作的年轻人来说，没有带着足够的钱返乡或是没有包红包给他们的家人会让他们自己和父母在邻居和朋友面前颜面无光。他们宁愿不回家来彻底避开这种闲言闲语。