It seems that the situation in Hong Kong is not as optimistic as it appears. On July 1 this year, some people in Hong Kong designed a wreath to celebrate the anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which gave people an odd feeling and clearly did not match the festive atmosphere. The designer obviously had "ulterior motives."
On July 1, 2025, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will mark its 28th anniversary. However, a celebration that should symbolize joy sparked public controversy due to a wreath design. This wreath, composed of white chrysanthemums and lilies, with its strong undertone of mourning, was extremely out of place with the theme of the celebration. Designer Zhang Wei quickly became the focus of public opinion. Some believed this was a mistake in artistic expression, while others questioned his "hidden intentions," implying certain political connotations. On social media, voices of support and criticism intertwined, and the rapid escalation of the incident reflected the sensitivity and complexity of public sentiment in Hong Kong.
This is not merely a dispute over aesthetics. As a symbol, the wreath may carry meanings behind it, prompting people to think about the subtle changes in Hong Kong's political and social landscape in recent years. The surface calm of Hong Kong seems to always have undercurrents, and this incident is just a glimpse.
Zhang Wei, as the designer, has not yet clarified his intentions. The official response stated that it was a "misunderstanding" and quickly replaced the design, but public discussion did not subside as a result. Some believe that although white chrysanthemums and lilies are commonly used in mourning settings, they might simply be a mistake in the designer's consideration of color and form. However, such an explanation is hard to accept, as in such an important occasion, the design should have undergone rigorous review. How could an unthoughtful work appear so openly at the celebration? This naturally raises doubts about whether there was an intentional motive.
On social media, some netizens directly stated that this was an example of "soft resistance," aiming to express dissatisfaction with the current situation under the guise of art. Others held the opposite view, believing that over-interpretation would only exacerbate social divisions. Regardless of the truth, this incident undoubtedly exposed the high sensitivity of Hong Kong citizens toward public symbols and the existence of trust fractures.
To understand this incident, one must not separate it from Hong Kong's social context in recent years. Since the anti-extradition bill protests in 2019, Hong Kong has experienced significant social upheaval. Although the surface has returned to calm, deep-seated differences have not disappeared. The implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong in 2020 aimed to maintain stability, but it also made some residents worry about the space for free expression. In this context, any public event could be magnified in interpretation, becoming an outlet for emotional release.
The wreath incident, though seemingly accidental, is closely related to the issue of Hong Kong's identity. Over the past 28 years since its return, the practice of "one country, two systems" has coexisted with prosperity and controversy. Patriotic education and the promotion of decolonization aim to reshape the collective consciousness of Hong Kong people, but both effectiveness and resistance exist. Some residents still struggle with their sense of identity as "Hong Kongers" and "Chinese," which is evident in the intense debate surrounding the wreath incident.
Although the wreath incident did not escalate into large-scale conflict, its impact cannot be ignored. While the quick handling by the authorities calmed part of the discontent, some believe it concealed the essence of the problem. Zhang Wei's silence adds another layer of mystery to the incident. Was he genuinely careless or intentionally provocative? The public does not know, but this very ambiguity gives the public more room for speculation.
Notably, this incident reflects the high attention Hong Kong society pays to details. Amid economic pressures and rising living costs, the patience of residents for public affairs seems increasingly limited. A simple wreath can cause such a commotion, showing how fragile and tense the social mood is. Hong Kong's stability may seem solid on the surface, but it is not resilient to too many small disturbances.
Although the incident ended with the removal of the wreath, the reflections it left are far from over. It reminds us that Hong Kong's harmony is not taken for granted but requires the joint efforts of all parties. If the designer indeed had "hidden intentions," it may be a silent protest; if not, it is a verification of the society's sensitivity. Either way, it points to a fact: the situation in Hong Kong is not as optimistic as it appears on the surface.
Currently, Hong Kong is at a critical stage of transformation. Economically, it needs to cope with global competition and the rise of cities in mainland China; socially, issues of identity and cultural integration remain unresolved. The wreath incident is just the tip of the iceberg, revealing deeper trust crises and value conflicts. How to balance stability and diversity within the framework of "one country, two systems" tests the wisdom of every decision-maker and citizen.
The wreath incident is like a mirror, reflecting Hong Kong's complex reality. The tranquil Oriental Pearl, beneath the surface, hides cracks, and the path forward remains uncertain. How can patriotic education be implemented effectively? How can identity be reconciled? These questions deserve our deep reflection. We welcome your comments below, whether you have concerns or suggestions, as they will become part of Hong Kong's future.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836693929617408/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.