Once a person experiences the joy of being alone, they often prefer not to be bound by the conventional ties of love. For many, living as a bachelor represents a pure, peaceful existence—a life lived freely, on one’s own terms, much like a kite soaring high in the open sky without a string. There is no one controlling the reel, no one demanding explanations, and no pressure concerning when or why to call, text, or remember special dates. This existence is free from such emotional obligations.
Today, Tuesday (November 11), the world marks ‘Bachelor’s Day’, a celebration more widely known as ‘Singles’ Day’, but which originally began with the former name.
The date 11-11 symbolises the very essence of solitude, as each individual ‘one’ represents individuality. Consequently, the day is celebrated in many countries—some with grandeur, others in quiet contemplation.
In China, the day is observed as a commercial holiday, where single people celebrate their independence through shopping for themselves or their loved ones.
The origin of the day traces back to Nanjing University in China. A group of students, feeling lonely after failing in love or choosing solitude following complicated relationships, initiated the idea of celebrating Singles’ Day. Despite their heartbreaks, these students maintained a positive view of life. Instead of mourning lost love, they decided to celebrate their singleness with joy and enthusiasm.
Hence, November 11, 1993, was chosen for the celebration. The four ones in 11-11 symbolise both individuality and collective strength—a representation of unity and joy found in solitude.
Over time, this anti-Valentine’s celebration gained popularity across Chinese universities. Single individuals began marking the day with fun, friendship, and laughter. The tradition later spread globally, thanks to the efforts of Thomas and Ruth Roy, though the exact date of its worldwide observance is not clearly documented.
TSN