Every year on May 20, affectionately known as "520" due to its phonetic resemblance to "I love you" in Chinese, digital expressions of romance take center stage across China’s social platforms. This year, WeChat once again rolled out its annual limited-time feature: the ability to send red packets worth up to 520 yuan, far exceeding the usual 200-yuan cap. Beyond just financial gestures, the platform also introduced two exclusive relationship statuses — "Feeding Dog Food" and "Eating Dog Food" — adding a playful, emotional layer to how users express their love (or lack thereof) online.
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Why 520 Matters in Digital Culture
The date May 20 — written as 5/20 — sounds like “wǔ èr líng,” which closely mimics “wǒ ài nǐ” (I love you) in Mandarin. This linguistic coincidence has transformed an ordinary day into a widely celebrated unofficial lovers’ holiday, especially among younger generations who embrace both tradition and tech-savvy expressions of affection.
WeChat, being the dominant messaging app in China, plays a pivotal role in this cultural phenomenon. Since 2015, it has temporarily increased the red packet limit to 520 yuan specifically for May 20 and other romantic dates like Valentine’s Day (February 14) and Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day). The move isn't just functional — it's symbolic, encouraging users to celebrate love through small but meaningful digital gestures.
New This Year: “Feeding” vs. “Eating” Dog Food
This year, WeChat added a lighthearted twist with two temporary statuses:
- “Feeding Dog Food” (撒狗粮) — For those proudly sharing their romantic happiness.
- “Eating Dog Food” (吃狗粮) — A self-deprecating way for single users to join the fun with humor.
These statuses appear at the top of the WeChat status list and can be set under Me > Status. They reflect a broader trend in Chinese internet culture where “dog food” symbolizes public displays of affection that make singles feel left out — hence, they're “eating dog food.”
The inclusion of these statuses shows WeChat’s understanding of social dynamics — not just facilitating connections between couples, but also acknowledging the emotional experiences of those without partners.
The Psychology Behind Symbolic Gifting
Sending a 520-yuan red packet isn’t just about money; it’s about meaning. Amounts like 520, 1314 (eternal love), and 999 (long-lasting) carry emotional weight. Psychologically, such numbers act as verbal substitutes when people struggle to express feelings directly.
According to relationship experts, digital gifting strengthens emotional bonds by combining surprise, thoughtfulness, and public acknowledgment — especially when sent during special moments.
However, legal experts have previously warned that gifts of symbolic value may be considered non-refundable presents in the event of a breakup. Unlike regular transactions, courts often view 520 or 1314 yuan transfers between partners as romantic gestures rather than loans, making recovery legally difficult.
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Temporary Features, Lasting Impact
The 520 red packet feature is only available for 24 hours, reinforcing its exclusivity and urgency. Similar temporary updates occur during major holidays:
- February 14: Valentine’s Day
- Qixi Festival: Chinese traditional lovers’ day
- Lunar New Year: Enhanced red packet animations
This strategy boosts user engagement significantly. Data from past years shows a surge in red packet activity on May 20, often surpassing even New Year’s Eve volumes in terms of peer-to-peer transfers.
Moreover, WeChat’s integration of emotional context — through statuses, themed stickers, and timed features — turns a simple payment function into a rich communication tool.
How Users Are Responding
Social media buzz around #520WeChat has been trending nationwide. Many users shared screenshots of receiving or sending 520-yuan packets, while others joked about setting their status to “Eating Dog Food” while scrolling through couple posts.
Some creative users even combined both features — sending a 520 yuan red packet with the note: “Now I’m officially Feeding Dog Food.”
This blend of humor, emotion, and technology highlights how deeply embedded digital platforms are in modern relationship rituals.
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- 520 red packet
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These terms reflect high search volume during the May 20 period and align with user intent seeking information on WeChat updates, romantic gestures, and cultural trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I send a 520-yuan red packet on WeChat any day of the year?
A: No. The 520-yuan limit is only available on select romantic dates like May 20, February 14, and Qixi Festival. On regular days, the maximum remains 200 yuan.
Q: What does “Feeding Dog Food” mean on WeChat?
A: It's a playful status indicating you're happily in a relationship and showing off your love — metaphorically making others "eat dog food" out of envy.
Q: Is the “Eating Dog Food” status only for single people?
A: While typically used by singles during romantic holidays, it’s often used humorously by anyone feeling left out of couple-centric celebrations.
Q: Do these special statuses last beyond May 20?
A: No. Like the red packet limit, these statuses are temporary and will disappear after the holiday unless WeChat makes them permanent in future updates.
Q: Can I get my 520 yuan gift back if we break up?
A: Legally, amounts like 520 or 1314 yuan are often seen as romantic gestures rather than loans, so courts usually don’t require repayment.
Q: How do I change my WeChat status to “Feeding Dog Food”?
A: Go to your profile > Tap "More" under your name > Select "Status" > Choose “Feeding Dog Food” from the top options.
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Final Thoughts
WeChat’s annual 520 update goes beyond technical changes — it reflects evolving social behaviors in a digitally connected world. By blending financial tools with emotional expression, the platform turns a simple red packet into a powerful symbol of love, inclusion, and cultural identity.
As digital gifting becomes more ingrained in modern relationships, features like time-limited amounts and expressive statuses will continue shaping how people connect — not just on May 20, but every day.