There have been many speculations as to why Asians tend to look younger than they really are. Explanations include Asian’s rigorous beauty regimes, the fact that they avoid the sun due to their obsession with pale skin or simply because of their healthy food and general way of life.
But even though these theories seem quite logical and they do apply for the most East Asian countries, the truth is that none is supported by scientific evidence.
There is one reason though that leaves no room for doubt: Asians look younger because they calculate age differently. (the article continues after the ad)
China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Taiwan use the East Asian age reckoning which differs from the way we calculate age in the West. Simply said, in East Asia the day a baby is born is considered to be one year old (instead of zero) and then it gets another year on new year. This means that a Asian baby can have up to 2 years difference with a baby born in the West.
Here’s an example: two babies, one in New York and one in Seoul are born on December 31st. The American boy is considered zero and the Korean boy is already one. The next day is new year so the Korean baby gains one more year and now, even though it’s actually one day old, on papers, is two years old!
So how do they celebrate birthdays?
They do celebrate the day they are born as it’s their “special” day but they all gain a year on new year. Sounds confusing? Well, it is, especially if you try to understand the theory behind the calculations (it has to do with both the Solar and Lunar calendars).
By the way, if you want to convert your age to East Asian, you can use this cool calculator.
If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: Why Are Asian Roofs Curved?
Photo: Wikimedia, PxHere
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
Sources: What is age reckoning? | Korean age calculator