Instead of traditional cartoon cards, scary, fortune-telling and even erotic cards are gaining popularity among local youngsters this year, a trend that worries some sociologist.

During their lunch break and after school, students swarm into small grocery or stationery stores near their schools to pick up cards.

Chen Kaixin, owner of Junlin Stationery and Gift Store, which is located beside Caoyang No. 2 Middle School, said Wednesday that he can sell more than 100 new-style cards a day around the festival period.

Costing 2 yuan (US$0.24) each on average, once the card is opened, a skeleton or other terrible thing will suddenly jump out to scare the receivers, while the fortune-telling cards describe how the receiver's study, love affairs and health will be in the new year. Some even include sexy pictures.

Zhang Li, a student at Wu'ai High School, said "although teachers told us to buy few paper-cards to protect the forests, many of my classmates still like to send cards, especially such odd cards, which look cooler than the traditional ones."

"Just writing 'best wishes' on the card is so boring and would be considered lacking in sincerity among my friends," said Daisy Shao, a 14-year-old girl who received a new-type card in New Year, which says "Wish you find your dream-lover soon!"

The new greeting card trend raised concerns from sociologists. "Kids always like fresh things, however, they can't be immune from the evil influence like violence and pornography," said Professor Zhang Youde, from Shanghai University.

(eastday.com January 16, 2003)