Abstract
This study explores the symbolic transformation of the red flower (小红花) in contemporary Chinese society, tracing its evolution from a reward used in educational settings to a widely shared expression of emotional, moral, and cultural values on digital platforms. Drawing upon Roland Barthes' theory of semiotics, the research examines how the meanings of red flower giving shift from denotation to connotation, reflecting the dynamic interaction between tradition and digital reinterpretation. A qualitative approach was used to analyze 139 social media posts collected from Weibo (微 博) and Xiaohongshu(小红书), focusing on two primary contexts: school-based giving and general societal expressions. The findings reveal that while the red flower continues to symbolize achievement and conformity in educational settings, its online usage has expanded to convey empathy, encouragement, self-recognition, and collective hope. The act of giving a red flower has thus become a horizontal, emotionally resonant gesture that transcends institutional power. This study offers new insights into how cultural symbols are redefined in participatory media spaces and contributes to the understanding of vernacular semiotic practices in Chinese digital culture.
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