China woman’s online fame from slaughtering pigs turns soil in nearby land into ‘lucky charm’
Porker killing event sparks stampede of visitors to 23-year-old’s home; spawns series of copycat events raising safety fears
Clumps of earth dug up from the front of a Chinese woman’s rural dwelling are being sold for up to 18 yuan (US$3) per gram as a “lucky charm” after she shot to online fame by inviting people to slaughter pigs at her home.
The 23-year-old from southwestern China’s Chongqing municipality, nicknamed Daidai, posted an online invitation on January 9, asking people to help kill two pigs in preparation for a traditional pork feast.
The event on January 11 attracted more than 1,000 visitors. Their cars formed a line 2km (1.2 miles) long.
She cooked 500kg (1,100lbs) of rice for the visitors. The local government brought three more pigs so that enthusiastic guests could experience the tradition.
Daidai amassed over two million followers on her social media account. Her live-streams reportedly earned six million yuan (US$860,000) in three days.
The sudden traffic reportedly overwhelmed the young woman, who said she did not plan to sign herself to any multichannel network companies before she figured out what she really wants to do.
She also expressed a wish for her parents’ life to return to normal.