'The Little Match Girl:' A timeless tale loved in China

"The Little Match Girl," written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, is a timeless fairy tale that has touched countless hearts around the world since its first publication in 1845. In China, it is one of the best-known foreign fairy tales. Introduced to China in the early 20th century, the story quickly became an essential part of children's literature in the country and has been included in school textbooks for generations.

The tale follows a poor young girl selling matches on a cold New Year's Eve. Barefoot and freezing, she is afraid to return home without selling any matches. To stay warm, she lights the matches one by one. With each small flame, she sees beautiful visions like a warm stove, delicious food, a Christmas tree, and finally her kind grandmother. In the end, the girl freezes to death, but in her final vision her grandmother takes her to heaven, where she is free from pain and suffering.

Through simple yet powerful language, Andersen creates a touching narrative that leads readers to reflect on life, compassion, and social issues. The girl's suffering and her yearning for warmth and love resonate deeply across cultures, including in China.

Over the past 180 years, "The Little Match Girl" has been adapted into countless forms, including animations, stage plays, and radio dramas, standing as a testament to its enduring charm. In China, it continues to move new generations, reminding readers of the warmth of kindness and the importance of looking after those in need.