The English translation for “jiangshi” seems to be pretty flexible. I have seen them referred to as vampires, ghouls, ghosts and even zombies in various English language resources. One such example of the “zombie” usage comes to us from this hilarious prank video by TMD Shanghai:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tne0nlYJHU
Unlike many prank videos using the modern depiction of zombies, most of the response from the people being pranked seems to be genuine surprise followed by laughing and pretending to be afraid rather than genuine fear. I suspect this has to do with jiangshi usually appearing in comedy movies like Mr. Vampire rather than serious horror fare. Once the shock wears off of seeing a “jiangshi,” most people decide to play along and try to act like the people in films featuring such beings. It’s an interesting and refreshing change of pace from the usual reactions in horror prank videos and it’s pretty cool to have everyone be in on the joke for once.
UPDATE:
TMD Shanghai is now known as Mamahuhu and the above referenced jiangshi prank video is no longer available. Hopefully they’ll bring it back if enough people politely ask for its return on Mamahuhu’s official Facebook page.
Sun Nien Fai Lok!
Xin Nian Kuai Le!
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Happy Chinese New Year!
