A Guide to When to Take Down Chinese New Year Decorations
Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional holidays in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated with vibrant decorations, food, and festivities. The decorations not only create a festive atmosphere but also symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. However, knowing when to take down the decorations is just as important as putting them up. This guide will explain the traditional and practical timing for taking down Chinese New Year decorations.
1. The 15th Day of Chinese New Year (Lantern Festival)
The most widely accepted and traditional date for taking down Chinese New Year decorations is the 15th day of the lunar new year, which marks the Lantern Festival (元宵节, Yuánxiāo Jié). This is the last day of the 15-day celebrations.
Why the Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival marks the official end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
It symbolizes the return to normalcy after the holiday and the completion of the celebrations.
The Lantern Festival is a time for family gatherings, eating tangyuan (sweet rice balls), and enjoying lantern displays. At this time, the decorations are traditionally taken down to signify the conclusion of the festive period.
2. The Seventh Day of Chinese New Year (Renri)
Another significant date for removing decorations is the seventh day of the Chinese New Year, known as Renri (人日). This day is celebrated as the birthday of all human beings according to Chinese mythology, and it marks another traditional milestone in the holiday period.
Why the Seventh Day?
In some regions, taking down decorations on the seventh day is considered appropriate as it is a significant part of the new year celebration.
It is also a day associated with family and community, as people gather to celebrate the common birthday of all humans.
3. The 10th Day After Chinese New Year
In some families or communities, it is customary to take down decorations on the 10th day following Chinese New Year. This date is often chosen to mark a balanced middle point between the start of the new year and the Lantern Festival.
Why the Tenth Day?
It’s seen as a practical midpoint for households that want to continue the festive atmosphere but gradually begin to transition back to normal life.
This timing helps keep the decorations up long enough to continue inviting prosperity but ensures they are taken down before the Lantern Festival.
4. When to Remove Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Red envelopes, or hongbao (红包), are a key part of Chinese New Year celebrations. They are typically given during family gatherings and exchanged as tokens of luck and good wishes. After the new year, it’s important to take down any red envelopes that may still be hanging in your home.
When to remove hongbao?
Before the Lantern Festival: Red envelopes should be taken down before the Lantern Festival, as keeping them up past this time is believed to symbolize holding onto old luck and preventing the new year's good fortune from arriving.
Keep the spirit of the gift: It’s not so much about removing the physical envelopes as it is about moving forward into the new year with fresh, positive energy.
5. Practical Considerations
While tradition plays an important role in when to take down decorations, there are also practical considerations:
Space and cleanliness: After weeks of festivities, your living space may need a reset. Removing decorations after the 15th day will help restore order to your home.
Avoiding bad luck: Taking decorations down before the Lantern Festival is seen as crucial to avoid bad luck. In some beliefs, leaving decorations up too long could bring misfortune for the rest of the year.
6. Exceptions and Variations
While the 15th day of Chinese New Year is the most widely recognized date for removing decorations, it’s important to remember that customs can vary by region and family. Some people may prefer to take their decorations down earlier or later, depending on personal beliefs or local customs. In some cultures, the decorations might stay up a little longer for the purpose of extending good fortune.
The most common and widely respected time to take down Chinese New Year decorations is on the 15th day of the lunar new year, the Lantern Festival. However, some may choose to remove them earlier, around the seventh or tenth day after Chinese New Year, based on personal or regional customs. In any case, the key is to remove the decorations by the Lantern Festival to ensure a smooth transition from the holiday season to everyday life and to keep the flow of good luck intact.
