Turning Red: The True Meaning Of Ming's New Panda Talisman
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Turning Red.
Mei's cute little digital pet in Turning Red becomes the new talisman for Ming's panda spirit, and it holds a lot of meaning in regard to Ming's growth as a character and as a mother. The digital pet takes clear inspiration from the 2000s hit toy Tamagotchi, originally from Japan, but which soon became a worldwide hit. It's first seen clipped onto Mei's backpack, in true 2000s style, as they had to be looked after constantly. Turning Red is a coming-of-age story, and for many kids, these digital pets were not only cute and fun, but a token of responsibility and thus a step toward growing up.
It's clear from the beginning of Turning Red that, though Mei says she's independent, she is actually stuck in the shadow of who her mom, Ming, expects her to be. Ming, the figurehead of the Lee family temple in Turning Red, initially only tolerates and encourages perfectly idyllic behavior from Mei, and anything that branches out from family and tradition she takes issue with. However, at the end of Turning Red, Ming's necklace talisman breaks and she needs a new one. For this, she uses Ming's digital pet, and apart from being a fun little gag, it is quite meaningful.
Related: Why Mei's Hair Stays Red Even When She Controls Her Panda
Ming's new talisman, Mei's digital pet toy, actually represents the better relationship she has with her daughter by the end of the film. Ming's initial overbearing nature stems from a fear of Mei growing apart from her, like Ming with her own mother; therefore, she tries to sabotage Mei's independence. This took its form in being critical of Mei's friends, being overly controlling, and expressing disgust for her daughter's favorite boy band
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