The Red Book, Mao’s Badge, and the Red Guard Armband: Symbols of the 60-Year Legacy of China’s Cultural Revolution

Written by space4knews on 2026-05-17. Posted in News.

Portrait of Chairman Mao on the Little Red Book — Caption: Chairman Mao’s Little Red Book remains the second most widely published book in history, surpassed only by the Bible.

Published 29 minutes ago

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China marks the 60th anniversary of the Cultural Revolution — a tumultuous era that brought significant upheaval to the nation.

On May 16, 1966, communist leader Mao Zedong launched a campaign aimed at purging capitalist influences and eliminating his political rivals.

To promote Mao’s ideology, youth groups known as the “Red Guards” were mobilized across the country.

They destroyed cultural heritage, conducted mass arrests, interrogated teachers, intellectuals, and perceived “traditional enemies” of the state, often humiliating and physically assaulting them.

The revolution displaced tens of millions and caused between 500,000 and 2 million deaths. The period of chaos and bloodshed ended with Mao’s death in 1976.

The controversial legacy of this era continues to pose challenges for China’s Communist leaders today.

Mandarin characters seen in an open book — Caption: At the height of the Cultural Revolution, everyone was expected to carry a copy of Mao Zedong’s Little Red Book. This powerful propaganda tool ensured that only ideas aligned with Mao’s ideology were acceptable. Officially titled “Quotations from Chairman Mao,” the book contains 427 quotations on topics such as the Communist Party, class struggle, socialism, youth, women, and art.

Open book showing Mandarin script—some characters are eroded. — Caption: An estimated over 5 billion copies of the Little Red Book have been printed in more than 40 languages, making it the second most widely circulated book after the Bible. Marshal Lin Biao, known as Mao’s right-hand man, wrote the preface and was instrumental in promoting the book. After the fallout between Mao and Lin Biao, many removed Lin’s name from the book to demonstrate loyalty to Mao.

Round red badge featuring Chairman Mao’s picture — Caption: Mao Zedong’s personality cult was widespread; an estimated 200 million badges featuring his portrait were produced during the Cultural Revolution. Production declined after 1969 because aluminum was needed for aircraft manufacturing. Between 1966 and 1969, these badges were ubiquitous. Those considered “virtuous” wore them as a sign of loyalty to the “Great Leader.” Many Chinese families have preserved these badges as mementos of the Cultural Revolution.

Poster featuring Mao’s image radiating rays like the sun in red and white colors — Caption: Mao’s cult of personality extended beyond badges and the Little Red Book. Posters bearing his image were displayed in homes, classrooms, offices, and factories. Beneath Mao’s portrait, phrases like “Wishing Chairman Mao a long life” were commonly inscribed.

Red armband worn by Red Guards — Caption: This red armband was worn by the youth organization known as the Red Guards. Established in 1966 at high schools and universities in Beijing, the movement quickly spread nationwide. Red Guards saw themselves as Mao’s protectors, and many brutally assaulted those deemed traitors or bourgeois, including their own teachers.

Khaki backpack and military-style canteen — Caption: During the Cultural Revolution, universities and schools operated like paramilitary organizations. Youths carried military-style khaki backpacks and canteens when attending rallies or working in the fields.

Temples and many art objects destroyed by Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution — Caption: Though Mao’s personality was venerated, many religious sites and cultural artifacts were destroyed. The Red Guards attacked the “Four Olds”: old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. Temples, heritage sites, rare books, and artworks were demolished.

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The Red Book, Mao’s Badge, and the Red Guard Armband: Symbols of the 60-Year Legacy of China’s Cultural Revolution

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The Red Book, Mao’s Badge, and the Red Guard Armband: Symbols of the 60-Year Legacy of China’s Cultural Revolution

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