On December 10th, a mysterious knife borrower appeared in Shimen County, Changde City, Hunan Province, leaving a prophecy: “Rice will rise to 8 yuan (RMB, same below), and pork will rise to 50.”
A video circulating on social media shows a middle-aged man in a small restaurant in Shimen County introducing his knives to locals. While demonstrating the sharpness of the knives, he used one to shave his own beard.
In the video, a netizen asked, “When will you come to collect the money?”
The knife borrower responded, “In 8 years, when rice rises to 8 yuan and pork to 50 yuan.” This indicated that after 8 years, when rice reaches 8 yuan per catty and pork reaches 50 yuan per catty, he will come to collect the payment for the knives.
The reappearance of the knife borrower has sparked discussions among netizens.
Many netizens expressed belief in his prophecy, citing past instances where similar predictions came true. Some speculate on the impact of these price increases on living standards and agricultural practices, suggesting potential hardships ahead.
There were inquiries about what the reappearance of the knife borrower signifies, with some suggesting it may forebode difficult times or disruptions in the economy. Others shared anecdotes and legends about the knife borrowers in history, linking them to mystical or spiritual origins.
One netizen humorously asked the knife borrower to predict whether housing prices would rise, while another netizen quipped about using wheat as a currency for property transactions.
The legend of the knife borrower dates back in history with documented instances of their prophecies coming true. For example, during the Qing Dynasty, there were reports of a knife borrower in the 19th century who predicted changes in grain prices.
In recent years, the knife borrower phenomenon has resurfaced multiple times, capturing public attention and speculation about their predictions and significance.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year 2025, as indicated by the Chinese zodiac, the symbolism of the Dragon and Snake years has sparked interpretations and reflections on potential shifts and challenges in society.
With various prophecies and omens circulating, including those from historical figures and folklore, there is a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and intrigue surrounding the predictions of the knife borrowers and their potential impact on future events.
As uncertainties and mysteries continue to unfold, the appearance of the knife borrower remains a curious phenomenon that intrigues and resonates with a diverse range of perspectives and interpretations.