Mango revolution

Submitted by ub on

Mango evolution is the obvious solution to Chairman Mao's Golden Mangoes and his Cultural Revolution.

Around half a century ago, China was in a political “mango-fever.” In 1968, after receiving a gift of mangoes from the visiting Pakistani foreign minister, Mao Zedong sent the fruit to the “Worker-Peasant Mao Zedong Thought Propaganda Teams.” It coincided with a turning point in the Cultural Revolution from student-leading to worker-peasant-leading. Mangoes, an unfamiliar fruit at that time in China, became a temporary political symbol of Chairman Mao’s benevolence and love for the people.

Illustrations and photos of mangoes appeared in publications, paintings, posters, and badges, as well as on everyday objects such as mirrors, quilt covers, and enamelware. Wax mango models were displayed in glass boxes to express respect for Mao, along with the circumstances of the gift printed in red on the cases. By showcasing over 80 mango-related objects, Mao’s Golden Mangoes.

Fellow mango fan and researcher Deena Wang tells City Images that "Mango fever it was, but never any real impact followed through due to how tightly "sealed" China was." adding that "It would be nice if they could open trade and move mango trees over to plant in the southern tropical/forestry enough to grow them, then we would have mango for savior long time ago."

Anyways, if you want to hear a true side story which the Chinese recovered? Mao received a basket of mangoes from a good buddy in Pakistan. The entire basket was nearly consumed until there were only two left. Mao then decided to share with the workers. These two mangoes got sent around all over China, but quickly rotted, so they had to replace them with plastic ones to continue the popular mango tour.