Visit to the Musuem of Shang Hai Toys on 18th Nov 2009


This trip to the Shanghai Toy Museum was something fresh and new since Hua Yi Red Cross Youth had not been to a museum trip as a unit together before. There were great varieties of toys on the 2nd level . We were guided by a professional tour guide and she provided us with interesting facts. There were actually meanings to every toy manufactured in the past, for example the toys in the past were made with celluloid which can be highly flammable! The appearance of the majority of the toys are not as colorful and attractive as the toys we have now in the market. Also, the way the toys function are totally different, most of them function using keys (where you turn the key in one direction and the toy will move by its own).

This additional spark of knowledge is just so interesting: Before our trip, we had always assumed that toys these days are naturally short-lived as such commonly battery-operated toys malfunction easily! However, it had never crossed our minds that ACTUALLY the toys of the past that have to be winded up before they entertain us with their gradual motions last for up to a hundred years! This is indeed fascinating to know.

Also, the character called “San Mao” that children of the 21st century get to view on television is basically a symbol of the hardship and difficult times people had to weather during war; and the Chinese' strong distaste towards Japan for stirring up the repulsive animosities between both countries.

All these new understandings allow me to reflect upon the issue of cherishing what we have right now instead of making groundless complaints all the time. Children in those days have waxed and winded toys while we have fanciful ones that tease and amuse us throughout the day. Toys are a crucial part and parcel of childhood! Instead of lamenting, we should really start preserving such beautiful memories and acknowledge the importance of what's present before they are all lost.

Written by: WO Teng Jie Ying