The "Cat Calendar" Continues to Play with the "Droste Effect" This Year, How Interesting!

As the end of the year approaches, people often begin to prepare for the upcoming year by gathering necessary items, such as notebooks and calendars. Notebooks are generally easy to find; a quick visit to a bookstore like Eslite will suffice. However, finding aesthetically pleasing calendars can be more time-consuming. Some individuals, particularly those with a creative flair, opt to make their own calendars using available materials. For instance, a Twitter user has created an intriguing "Cat Calendar" that has been produced continuously since 2015.

Creating DIY calendars is not an uncommon practice. Those who enjoy photography can compile their images into a calendar format. Currently, convenient services allow users to transform their beloved pet photos into calendars. One such user, "@AminoCyu", regularly captures pictures of his cat and assembles them into a calendar for display at home. Surprisingly, this habit garnered attention online and became a viral sensation! For example, a post featuring the 2024 calendar attracted 8.62 million views, demonstrating its immense popularity.

A user has compiled cat calendars posted online since 2015. Interestingly, in recent years, the style of the photos has shifted to incorporate the Droste effect—a recursive visual pattern where a smaller image within the larger image resembles the whole picture. This effect can theoretically continue indefinitely. To experience a similar effect, one could take a selfie in an elevator with mirrors on three sides.

In summary, while I do not own a cat, creating a personal calendar might also be enjoyable. Imagine showcasing your own photos from January to December—365 days of looking at your own face! This raises the question: is this behavior somewhat pathological?