What does it mean to be 'spiritually Finnish' in China?

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03:03

Singing karaoke by herself in a small private room is just one of the ways Xiaoying likes to spend her weekends. Away from the pressure that society inevitably brings, she’s happiest in her own space, doing her own thing.

Wherever she finds herself near crowds of people, she keeps her distance. But, ironically, she’s not alone.

This inward persona has become so common in China, it's now being associated with a reclusive European cartoon character.

"Jingfen," roughly translated as "spiritually Finnish," comes from the Finnish Nightmares comic series, starring a character who is socially awkward and easily embarrassed. The author describes the character as a typical Finn, who appreciates peace, quiet and his own personal space.

But it that true? Are Finnish people really like that?

Jiry Lintunen, from the Finnish Embassy in Beijing, said while he could relate to the character’s problems in many ways, it didn’t necessarily mean that Finns were shy and introverted as the stereotype suggests. He supposed his compatriots just liked their own space more than nationals of other countries.

Personal space is a foreign concept for many Chinese, where crowds, queues, and waiting lists are the norm.

Xiaoying says she’s fed up with the constant interactions and social demands.

"I'm eager for my own personal space and time. Work and compulsory socializing have already taken up so much of my time. I really need a rest, and I don't want to be bothered by social activities. I'd like to have some time for myself, without interacting with others," she said.

A cartoon from "Finnish Nightmares" shows protagonist Matti feeling uncomfortable when looking for a seat on a bus. /Sina Photo‍

But is there more to this than just frustration and discontent on Xiaoying’s part?

One expert says she may have brought it on herself.

Li Jian a researcher at the School of Psychological and Cognition in Peking University said spending too much time on the Internet also deprives people from developing their socializing ability, and it might be hurtful in the long run.

But Xiaoying says she’s happy with her current lifestyle and has no interest in changing.

Perhaps, it seems, the rest of us need to understand that many people – at least those who identify as “spiritually Finnish” – feel more than comfortable on their own, and the stickmen from Finland has just boosted their resolve to hang out more with themselves.