Today is an extremely special day for Chinese people.

On September 9, 1976, Mao Zedong passed away. Newspapers across the country reported his death with black borders and large-scale memorial activities were held. The grassroots society was plunged into an extreme political atmosphere, with the public required to participate in collective mourning. Those with problematic family backgrounds faced severe political suppression during this period.

The author turned 10 years old on September 9, 1976, the same day Mao Zedong passed away. He recalls that after Mao's death, he could no longer celebrate his birthday. He describes the societal reaction to Mao's passing, including official media's mourning and some citizens' expressions of grief.