Mao Zedong's infamous mango cult - Vivian Jiang
548,688 Views
1,432 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
In August 1968, factory workers overheard news of a mandatory meeting. Whispered rumors described shipments of a gift from the country’s Communist leader, Chairman Mao Zedong. And sure enough, managers soon distributed a gift to every factory worker– a glass box encasing a golden wax replica of a mango. What was the meaning behind this unusual offering? Vivian Jiang investigates.
In some ways, Mao’s mangos carried a mystical, even religious aura. How did recipients of these fruits honor or preserve their gifts?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Vivian Jiang
- Director Kayu Leung
- Narrator Pen-Pen Chen
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Senior Producer Anna Bechtol
- Associate Producer Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Senior Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
- Fact-Checker Paige Downie