The Four Big Things (), sometimes rendered in English as Four Big Items, is a term originally applied to the four symbols of material success in China from the 1950s until the 1970s, and is now used to refer to any visible marker of newfound affluence.
The original list was:
# A
sewing machine
Diagram of a modern sewing machine
Animation of a modern sewing machine as it stitches
A sewing machine is a machine used to sew fabric and materials together with thread. Sewing machines were invented during the first Industrial Revolutio ...
, generally a Flying Man pedal-driven one;
# A
bicycle
A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike, push-bike or cycle, is a human-powered transport, human-powered or motorized bicycle, motor-assisted, bicycle pedal, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, with two bicycle wheel, wheels attached to a ...
, general
Flying Pigeon
Flying Pigeon () is a Chinese State ownership, publicly owned bicycle company based in Tianjin.
Since 1950, more than 500 million Flying Pigeon PA-02 bicycles have been made, and as of 2007, more than any other model of vehicle.
History
In 19 ...
;
# A
wristwatch
A watch is a timepiece carried or worn by a person. It is designed to maintain a consistent movement despite the motions caused by the person's activities. A wristwatch is worn around the wrist, attached by a watch strap or another type of ...
, generally from Shanghai Watch Company;
# A
radio receiver
In radio communications, a radio receiver, also known as a receiver, a wireless, or simply a radio, is an electronic device that receives radio waves and converts the information carried by them to a usable form. It is used with an antenna. ...
, usually Red Star or Red Lantern brand.
In the 1980s, the Big Things included other consumer goods like refrigerator, colour television, washing machine, and tape recorder, especially items from imported brands like
Panasonic
is a Japanese multinational electronics manufacturer, headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka, Kadoma, Japan. It was founded in 1918 as in Fukushima-ku, Osaka, Fukushima by Kōnosuke Matsushita. The company was incorporated in 1935 and renamed and c ...
.
More recently, the "Four Big Things" could include cameras, cell phones, computers, apartments, cars, etc.
References
4 (number)
Consumer symbols
Economic history of the People's Republic of China
Wealth in China
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