The 15 days of Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming the new year with various customs and traditions. The celebrations last for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Here’s a guide to how each day of the Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated:
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Day 1: New Year’s Day (初一)
- Activities:
Families gather for a festive reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, and on the first day of the new year, they visit temples to pray for good fortune. People wear new clothes, often in red, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Firecrackers and fireworks are set off to ward off evil spirits. Elders give red envelopes (红包) containing money to children and unmarried adults for good luck.
- Taboos:
Avoid sweeping or taking out garbage, as it is believed to sweep away good fortune. Do not use sharp objects like knives or scissors, as they may "cut" away luck.
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Day 2: Visiting Married Daughters (初二)
- Activities:
Married daughters visit their birth families with their husbands and children, bringing gifts and blessings. People pray to the God of Wealth for prosperity in the coming year.
- Taboos:
Avoid crying or arguing, as it may bring bad luck.
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Day 3: Rest Day (初三)
- Activities:
This day is considered less auspicious, so people often stay home to rest and avoid socializing. Some families visit temples to pray for peace and safety.
- Taboos:
Avoid visiting friends or relatives, as it is believed to bring disputes.
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Day 4: Welcoming the Kitchen God (初四)
- Activities:
Families prepare offerings to welcome back the Kitchen God, who is believed to report on the family’s behavior to the Jade Emperor. Businesses may hold ceremonies to pray for prosperity in the new year.
- Taboos:
Avoid traveling long distances, as it may disrupt the return of the Kitchen God.
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Day 5: Breaking the Taboos (初五)
- Activities:
This day marks the end of many New Year taboos. People return to work, and businesses reopen. Dumplings are eaten to symbolize wealth and prosperity. Firecrackers are set off to celebrate the God of Wealth’s birthday.
- Taboos:
Avoid staying idle, as it may bring laziness in the new year.
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Day 6: Sending Away Poverty (初六)
- Activities:
Families clean their homes to "send away" poverty and bad luck. People visit temples and markets to pray for good fortune.
- Taboos:
Avoid hoarding old items, as it may symbolize holding onto poverty.
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Day 7: Human Day (初七)
- Activities:
Known as Renri (人日), this day celebrates the creation of humanity. People eat longevity noodles and seven-vegetable soup for health and longevity. Families may write poetry or create art to celebrate human creativity.
- Taboos:
Avoid punishing children, as it is a day to honor humanity.
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Day 8: Stars Festival (初八)
- Activities:
Families make offerings to the stars and pray for good fortune. Some businesses hold ceremonies to pray for success in the new year.
- Taboos:
Avoid wasting food, as it may offend the stars.
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Day 9: Jade Emperor’s Birthday (初九)
- Activities:
Families offer prayers and sacrifices to the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven. Incense and food offerings are made at temples and homes.
- Taboos:
Avoid disrespectful behavior, as it may anger the Jade Emperor.
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Day 10: Stone Festival (初十)
- Activities:
People honor stones and tools, which are essential for farming and construction. Families may avoid using stone tools to show respect.
- Taboos:
Avoid moving heavy stones or tools, as it may bring bad luck.
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Day 11: Son-in-Law Day (十一)
- Activities:
Fathers-in-law host their sons-in-law for a festive meal. Families continue to visit relatives and friends.
- Taboos:
Avoid neglecting family obligations.
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Day 12-14: Preparation for Lantern Festival (十二至十四)
- Activities:
Families prepare for the Lantern Festival by making or buying lanterns. People continue to visit relatives and enjoy festive foods.
- Taboos:
Avoid breaking objects, as it may disrupt the festive atmosphere.
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Day 15: Lantern Festival (十五)
- Activities:
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. People light and display lanterns, solve riddles written on them, and enjoy sweet tangyuan (汤圆), symbolizing family unity. Lion dances, dragon dances, and parades are held in communities.
- Taboos:
Avoid staying indoors, as it is a day to celebrate outdoors with the community.
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This guide provides a glimpse into the rich traditions and customs of the Chinese New Year. While practices may vary by region and family, the emphasis on family, prosperity, and good fortune remains central to the celebrations.
