Posts
Wordless Wednesday
Before I moved to Beijing (China) in 2005, I would have never (EVER) thought that a mother would allow their baby to go diaper-less (unless in the gravest of a diaper rash dilemna and never in public). Once I moved to Beijing, I saw babies around the city in arse-less chaps. Arse-less Chaps? On babies? I learned the slightly disgusting, surprisingly practical and thoroughly different truth about arse-less chaps and babies, quickly! Yes, they exist. Yes, millions of Chinese babies are walking around with their privates waving in the wind.
If you are still reading, please quickly note that I am not a creep of any sort and I hope your internet monitor hasn't blocked my post because it mentions arse-less chaps and babies so close to each other.
I lived in Beijing long enough to realize that arse-less chaps, or split pants as they are actually called, did not startle or surprise me when I saw them on the street. Actually that isn't completely true. Despite my familiarity with them, I was always a little shocked when I saw them 'helping' the environment. Disposable diapers barely existed there. Cloth diapers were only really used during the winter, when split pants were not feasible, but I saw very few little white arses that weren't beat red!
It was not uncommon to turn a corner and see a parent holding a child up over a sewer grate or over bushes or trees and helping them create natural fertilizer, through their split pants. I recall once we were at the park and a child simply squatted and shat right there! Once I was standing in line at the grocery store and a little girl just whizzed right there as stood directly behind me. I so wanted to hand the mom a diaper from my bag, but knew she would never accept it. The mother simply changed the child's clothes right there in line and left the whiz on the floor. I WAS APPALLED to say the least. Seriously, isn't is easier to change a diaper versus an entire outfit, shoes included? To the unaccustomed eye this seems comical at the very least and downright disturbing for the hygiene obsessed. Basically, children in split pants used sewer drains as their own public toilets. And their parents were so proud.
Yes, I realize that to a Westerner, the sight of a three-year-old running around in what is essentially a pair of arse-less cotton chaps can be a bit jarring(believe me, I was the first time I saw it); but there is a distinct reason and method to the madness.
I personally did not ever utilze these split pants on my daughter and happily paid the high cost of diapers while living in Beijing! I am afraid I will never find defecating in public places acceptable! But, you will have to admit, the photos are amusing!
If you are still reading, please quickly note that I am not a creep of any sort and I hope your internet monitor hasn't blocked my post because it mentions arse-less chaps and babies so close to each other.
I lived in Beijing long enough to realize that arse-less chaps, or split pants as they are actually called, did not startle or surprise me when I saw them on the street. Actually that isn't completely true. Despite my familiarity with them, I was always a little shocked when I saw them 'helping' the environment. Disposable diapers barely existed there. Cloth diapers were only really used during the winter, when split pants were not feasible, but I saw very few little white arses that weren't beat red!
It was not uncommon to turn a corner and see a parent holding a child up over a sewer grate or over bushes or trees and helping them create natural fertilizer, through their split pants. I recall once we were at the park and a child simply squatted and shat right there! Once I was standing in line at the grocery store and a little girl just whizzed right there as stood directly behind me. I so wanted to hand the mom a diaper from my bag, but knew she would never accept it. The mother simply changed the child's clothes right there in line and left the whiz on the floor. I WAS APPALLED to say the least. Seriously, isn't is easier to change a diaper versus an entire outfit, shoes included? To the unaccustomed eye this seems comical at the very least and downright disturbing for the hygiene obsessed. Basically, children in split pants used sewer drains as their own public toilets. And their parents were so proud.
Yes, I realize that to a Westerner, the sight of a three-year-old running around in what is essentially a pair of arse-less cotton chaps can be a bit jarring(believe me, I was the first time I saw it); but there is a distinct reason and method to the madness.
I personally did not ever utilze these split pants on my daughter and happily paid the high cost of diapers while living in Beijing! I am afraid I will never find defecating in public places acceptable! But, you will have to admit, the photos are amusing!
I just want to state that I am in no way stating that the use of diapers are more superior to not using diapers. I have nothing but understanding, compassion & admiration for this culture!
http://www.chinesechildren.org/Newsletter%5CProfessional%20Corner/PC_03_...
http://www.white-boucke.com/IPTstuff.html
http://www.TimL.com/ipt
http://www.pottywhisperer.com
http://aitt.evassist.it
and Extraordinary Mothers
hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom
hosted by SevEn cLoWn CirCuS
hosted by Ordinary and Awesome
102 other tantrums:
I have a blog friend whose husband is Chinese, and she did a very similar post! It was so funny. She is actually back in China, living there.
WHOA!!!!! I had NO Idea what you were talking about with "split-pants" until I saw the pics!!! OMGoodness...I don't think I could get used to that!!!
We went to China in October and it took me a while to figure out the story with those pants. I ended up bringing a pair back for my nephew.....but my sister put a diaper on him underneath - - so defeats the purpose! :)
Cute pictures!
I AM stating that to allow children to release their bodily waste in public is WRONG. That waste is going into the public water system which is in turn contaminating it. That is NOT OK in my opinion- which is NOT so humble on this point. Hepatitis A, Gastroenteritis, Dysentery, anemia, digestive disorders, debilitation...just to name a few illnesses that are caused by such behavior.
The pictures are funny, but the side effects of the behavior is not. I am all for diapers on children who are not potty trained.
Wow, that is interesting and just think of the cost savings.
These are cute pictures!
Ok... I cant even believe this! Though the pics are so cute I cant imaging allowing my child to just "go" wherever and whenever they want. Totally shocking to me!
amusing, to say the least!!!
how... interesting! i do love learning about different cultures. this is just so very curious!!
the idea is interesting, but the hygeine thing totally freaks me out...I mean there are some things I just don't want to see when I am at a resteraunt!!
I'm speechless. Totally speechless. And that doesn't happen often!
I believe I guffawed and tipped over backwards in my chair at that first picture!
How truly bizarre!
That is absolutely crazy...and HILARIOUS at the same time!!
Great pics and post! I think these pants could definitely come in handy during potty training!
SO creepy! Baby asses are cute and all, but woah!
rofl...wow! Happy WW - you certainly made it interesting.
Wow! Thank you for the culture lesson~~I never knew. We just moved back to the States from England and I know we saw more men urinating on the edge of the road than I care to have experienced. Belgium was also very interesting with the half walls next to buildings, roads, church buildings...for the men to use. We certainly are more inhibited in the USA~~and I am thankful:)
I never saw that when I worked in beijing :) Great shots!
This is just incredible... I still don't know how I feel about it. :-/
Little bums are cute. Pee in the middle of a grocery store is gross. What works for one culture doesn't for another, but that is what makes the world go 'round!
Happy WW! Here are are photos from my local Farmers Market http://tinyurl.com/mgra8q
awww what cute butt cheeks!
Peace in Disturbance
wow! i have heard of EC before, but never actually seen the split pants- that is crazy!! we use cloth diapers here, but that does seem easier...lol!
my ww:
http://www.mcclurefamilyspace.blogspot.com/
So apparently my son needs to go to China. Well not now, he doesn't pee in the bushes at school anymore. He's a farmer's son what can I say. Interesting post. I can understand the method to the madness but I just can't imagine being out for a walk and seeing a bunch a babies running around cobbing a squat anywhere they pleased.
Just stopping by to say hi and thank you for popping by tonight!
Well I suppose it's more environmentally friendly than disposables, nd practical for training but how about the parents carry a chamber pot with them that has a tightly fitting lid with which to collect their child's leavings.
Oh my goodness, LOL! Great pictures! Happy WW :)
I thought that was something that only happened with grown drunk people on Bourbon Street {in New Orleans} LOL!!! Whoa...
:)
Kat @ For the Love of Chaos | www.SenileMOMentia.com
Well, now I've seen everything. I hope those parents carry plastic baggies!
Kailani
An Island Life
It's amazing to see what is "acceptable" in other countries!
Wow. I never knew this! But I have to agree with other comments...I don't think it's environmentally friendly or hygienic. But I bet it does make potty training easier! Yuck. I'll pass.
Happy WW!
LOL at those little bums. Happy WW!
I burst out laughing when I saw that!
What!? Is that real? I have never seen anything like that. I couldn't help but chuckle a little at the first photo. Baby bottoms - cute. LOL.
WHAT??? OMG! I dont even know what to say except "Ewwww"
I've heard about different views on toileting there than in the US. Personally, I'd be freaked out.
Happy Wordless Wednesday!
http://iamharriet.blogspot.com/2009/08/puppy-news.html
A bunch of the kids from the HS I work visited China this year.. and this was the first thing they mentioned.
I'm with Foursons - I don't see how human waste in the park, on bushes, or on the floor in stores is such a benefit to the community. Hello - disease?
OMG...I don't even know what to say!
I had never heard of this. Wow. Just wow.
Adorable photos, but disgusting cultural norm. I can't imagine having my kid's rear end exposed and walking away from a pee pool in the store. Thanks for sharing and happy WW. Take care.
-Kiki
Wow I had now idea about that. Is it any wonder the Chinese environment is so toxic. I know the same could be said for the US disposable diaper usage, but going in the park, street or store is not sanitary!
Oh my - I'm not even sure how I'd view those - definitely something to laugh at! :)
~K
Oh my goodness! I'm speechless, just speechless.
And, wow -- you lived in Bejing?!
Happy WW to you!
Lol!
Great photos :D
Did not know this--you've definitely expanded my world this morning!
Blessings!
I had forgotten about those. I do not think I could have utilized them, but then again, I may have had I been in China at the time my kids where around the age? Tough call.
For some reason, it didn't occur to me that they did this anywhere other than in Chinese orphanages. I am now very icked out by the idea of stepping in human poop at the park. I'm assuming they don't clean up the dog or human poop, right?
Yuck.
Wow! I have never heard of that. It's interesting to see what other cultures do and those pictures are really cute!
I have never seen anything like this before.. I learned something new today!!!
I wonder if they potty train earlier because of this or would it actually take longer? HMMMM
I am laughing my butt off! I just sent this to 3 people! HA!
Well that is different. Who would have known, LOL!
Wow. Speechless!
Cool...but odd. :) Thanks for sharing, though!
Oh my goodness, that is a hoot and something that I never knew about!
Thanks for the chuckle :)
Well....Arse less pants. There were a couple of times that we might as well had those with our two children. Neat Stuff!
Brian
I've heard of this before and it is rather strange!
I just think it's disgusting and would spread diseases quickly if all of the kids are you know what all over the floor. ICK!
OMG! I have a pair of these for my daughter! Never worn, but my friend and former acupuncturist went to China and brought us back a pair. Thanks so much for sharing the pics and the chuckle. Amazing that they really wear them, but I guess somehow they work!
I'm pretty sure thats why they take their shoes off when they go in the house. . . imagine how dirty the streets are, that with the spitting!
Wow, funny and informative! Great WW!
Wow. How did I not know about these?! Great pics.
Well now, I've learned something new today. I have never heard of such a practice. Interesting...
I have NEVER heard of this but those pictures are hysterical. What an original thing to share for w.w. :) i keep giggling.
Wow. I've never even heard of anything like this. I think it would freak me out if I saw it in public.
Why have I NEVER even heard of this?! Guess I've led a sheltered life -- Hee! Hee!
Gee, and I thought the restrooms in France were INSANE with their little hole and handles contraptions-----ACK!
All I have to really say is that is just outright NASTY!
I have to say I'm astonished! And, yes, slightly appalled. I am all about diapers!
OMG!!!!!! That is the craziest thing ever....the kid that did it in the grocery line...I believe that would have put me over the edge!
Well you sure did teach me something new today! I had never heard of such a thing. I think I would have to giggle each time I saw a bear little bottom!
Yikes!! I had no idea such a thing existed,WOW is all I can say, besides "I WILL NEVER!"
whoah...first time for me to know about this. I think I'll do the same as you did...I can't have the heart seeing my kid with those split pants and just relieving anywhere around. I find it very unsanitary. Nice post!
happy ww! and yes, the pics are amusing!
OMG! Holy CRAP, literally! Wow, I have NEVER heard of this, very interesting and understandle to ones culture!
Why did you live in Beijing? That is very neat:)
Cool post!!
interesting . . .
thanks for stopping by
Wow, that is quite amazing! Who'da thunk that? I guess we're just so used to it here (diapers)Do they use them at all there?
If not, that's just amazing. Great post. Learned something new today.
Wow, very interesting!
That is interesting, but I'm glad I had diapers for my kids!
Very educational!
Wow, what an interesting post. I didn't know about this. I have to say the photos are quite humorous & I will be keeping our cloth diapers! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
That is a little disturbing actually. I never heard of it. I think that is less environmentally friendly than diapers.
Thanks for stopping by my place.
Oh my : ).
I think that would be much better for the enviroment, right?
It is so interesting to learn about other cultures while blogging. It is one of my favorite things : )
Now THAT is something I had never seen before today! HAHA!! WOW!! I am thinking less diapers in the landfill is a great thing! And I'm also thinking I don't think I could do it! :o)
Very cool to see how other people live. Thanks for sharing this.
Elle
I had no idea that split pants even existed. Very interesting.
Wow! I wasn't expecting this for ww :). Great post though and very interesting. I've heard of this before but never realized they raised their children this way in China.
Happy WW!
I remember seeing this when I was stationed in Korea some years ago. It has some obvious advantages and disadvantages. Different strokes, etc.
OMG! That is hilarious.
This is hilarious! I have spent some time in China too and always got a chuckle out of seeing those nakie little tushies. I love the pictures. You are making me want to dig out my albums and re-live my own time there. Are those all pictures you took? I love it!! :)
Karen @ If I Could Escape . . . - yes we lived in Beijing - it was AWESOME!
Sara Bonds said . . . yes, totally real!
Tiff said... - children are 100% potty trained y the age of 2!
Momiscodes said . . . - I think your family is from Shanghai - this is not done there
*Noelle* said... - my husband was working there for a couple of years and we finally just moved there with him
sheila said... - only on brand new newborns - other than that - nope - most locals can not afford diapers
Honestly all I can say is... mm okay actually I don't have anything to say because I'm trying to decide if I could have ever gotten use to that... then I realize I have seen just about the same while in other countries.. similar but not the same..
Very unfortunately, I am not that well traveled and have never even heard of this! That's crazy! I mean I guess it works for them but I agree with you on the diaper thing.
Maybe at least potty training is easier for them??
That is something. I've never heard of split pants before.
They uh...just poop...like ...right there? Anywhere? Oh my....different.
Loved learning something different about another culture! Do they potty train earlier?
I have know a few of our neighbors adopt babies from china and I know the babies used these while in china but I really had no idea how they actually worked. What about when they are really little? And how on earth do they know when the kid is going to go to get them over a sewer? I mean, I can see the convenience though of not having all the diapers fill up landfills which is probably the point of them but still! And the fact that she left the pee on the floor! ouch! I am glad the pants haven't made it to the states yet!
I am just sitting here with my mouth open and I feel very uneducated. I have NEVER heard of this. Not too sure how I feel about it just yet... wow.
Hahaha ! I just imagine that here. China must be quite different, because they also spit and burb and fart in public, according to a friend it's even polite !
BTW, my cat kills the mouse but doesn't eat it, she puts it in her food bowl and eats around the mouse. Apparently mice don't taste that good !
Now, I've heard that allowing the little one to run around in the buff can help potty training. . . this would keep little legs from getting cold. I wonder where I could order some of these? Maybe I'll just take scissors and make 'em myself. ;) Kidding!!!
I completely needed this, this morning! Thanks!!!
Not that I'm for swapping to split pants... but in response to Foursons...
I don't see how their eliminating in the sewer grates is causing anyone harm. I mean - yes it goes to the public water supply but so do our toilets when we flush them. All of that water is purified and then it comes back to us. There isn't some magical land that the water from our toilets is taken to so that we don't drink that water again... They simply clean the water and give it back to us. I don't see this being any different. Not to mention the animals that routinely eliminate on sewer grates, trees, road signs, trees, flowers, sidewalks, grass, wherever... where do you think all of that goes?
Again, not that I'm in favor of going this route... pee in a grocery store floor is gross and I'd rather not turn my head at just the right time to catch a toddler copping a squat but the concern for me is not that it's wrong. Just uncomfortable.
WOW! I learned something new today. I had NO idea that split pants were even an invention and that is the primary mode of clothing for babies in China. Thanks for the cultural lesson!
I tried writing a comment about this and I just don't know what to say. I don't mind the little bottoms out in the air (I probably wouldn't dress - or not dress - my children like that), but I can't get a handle on the waste being left wherever the children decide it is time to go. I think that is just rude and inconsiderate.
Thank you for visiting my blog and also grossing me out just a little bit (:D!!!).
I've always wondered how people in other cultures deal with things like this. Now I know...! This wouldn't be for me, but I have to give them credit: I get they get their kids potty trained really quickly!
Wow! I've never heard of this. My nephew spent about a year there and he never said a thing about this sort of thing, but then again, he had no children and probably avoided children defecating in the street. The bare bums are fine, but the rest is just icky!
Kayla said... - just an FYI - the USA sewer system is A LOT different than China - the water is not - NOT - purified in ANY manner - it is brown or tan and gritty and sandy right out of the faucet. I wouldn't even use it to brush my teeth - I hated to even let my kids take a bath in it. I didn't want the mouth to touch their mouths!
Milk and Honey Mommy said... - the parents usually (usually) cleaned up the poop - just tossing it in the trash bin right alongside the McD's bag - but the piss, always left. Along side all the spitting balls of phlegm!
learn something new everyday in bloggy land, yuck!
Post a Comment