Last year at DragonCon, I experienced a delightful moment: I received a bean sprout hair clip. With no idea of its significance, I simply clipped it on and enjoyed the convention. Little did I know, this quirky accessory had a surprisingly rich history, and my curiosity about it has now blossomed into a project I'm thrilled to share: the SproutMap.
The Unexpected Roots
My initial encounter with the bean sprout hair clip left me intrigued. As it turns out, these adorable little plastic sprouts have a fascinating backstory that began in China around 2015. They suddenly appeared everywhere in cities like Beijing and Chengdu, sparking a trend that quickly spread. While the exact origin remains a bit of a mystery—some theories point to a popular TV character, others to cute Japanese emoticons, and many simply embraced them for their "moe" (cuteness) aesthetic—the clips became a widespread phenomenon. People of all ages and genders adopted them as a fun, lighthearted way to add a touch of whimsy to their lives.
The trend soon evolved beyond just bean sprouts to include other miniature plastic plants like mushrooms, flowers, and even chilies, turning people's heads into delightful little gardens. More recently, this charming trend has found a vibrant home in Western festival and rave culture, especially within the EDM community. Here, the sprouts have taken on new meanings, often symbolizing positivity, growth, and the idea of "watering yourself" to foster personal development. For many, they're simply a joyful way to connect and share good vibes within a community.
Growing Together: The SproutMap Project
Inspired by this unique history and the community spirit it represents, I've decided to keep the tradition going at DragonCon this year in a big way: I plan to share over 200 bean sprout hair clips! But my ambition goes a step further. I'm excited to introduce the SproutMap, a static web utility app designed to turn these simple clips into a tool for connection.
The SproutMap collects XY coordinates on an OpenStreetView map of the US. My goal is to create a visual representation of where our sprouts are "growing" across the country, showing the widespread reach of this fun tradition. More importantly, this app is designed to be a conversation starter. I envision it as a way to meet a ton of new folks at DragonCon, share stories, and build connections based on a shared appreciation for a little piece of quirky, delightful history.
I believe the SproutMap will not only be a fun way to engage with fellow convention-goers but also a testament to how small, unexpected trends can bring people together and spark wonderful interactions.
Want to see how it works or contribute? You can find the project's source code here:
Come find me at DragonCon, grab a sprout, and let's put our mark on the SproutMap! Let's cultivate some amazing conversations and friendships this year.
