Chinese New Year (CNY) is a vibrant and meaningful celebration filled with rich traditions that reflect the values of family, harmony, and prosperity. Spanning 15 days, each day carries unique customs and cultural significance. Here is a day-by-day guide to understanding and honoring these cherished practices:
Day 1 (初一): Welcoming the New Year Chinese New Year Traditions
The first day of the Lunar New Year is all about starting fresh. Families visit loved ones to exchange blessings and share auspicious words, spreading joy and goodwill.
Auspicious Activities: Visit temples to pray for a prosperous year ahead.
Avoid: Cleaning or killing animals, as this is believed to sweep away good luck.
Day 2 (初二): Reunion with the Bride’s Family
Traditionally, married daughters return to their parents’ home with their husbands, bringing gifts and red packets. It’s a day for family reunions and capturing memories through family portraits.
Auspicious Activities: Have an “Opening (Starting) Year Meal” early in the morning.
Avoid: Washing clothes to respect the Water God.
Day 3 (初三): "Red Dog" Day (赤狗日)
Known as "Chikou Day," this day is associated with potential conflicts, so families tend to stay home and rest.
Auspicious Activities: Catch up on sleep and recharge.
Avoid: Social visits or engaging in arguments.
Day 4 (初四): Worshipping the Tai Sui and Kitchen God
On this day, it is believed that the Kitchen God, Tai Sui, and other deities return to the mortal realm. Families offer prayers and avoid long trips as the Kitchen God is said to inspect households.
Auspicious Activities: Cook meals at home and, after 11 PM, place offerings like fish and lamb on the altar to welcome the God of Wealth.
Avoid: Staying awake past 11 PM.
Day 5 (初五): Welcoming the God of Wealth (迎财神)
The fifth day celebrates the birthday of the God of Wealth. Families rise early, play lively music, and resume cleaning to drive away misfortune.
Auspicious Activities: Perform a thorough house cleaning and play festive music.
Avoid: Sleeping in, as it is believed to delay blessings.
Day 6 (初六): Opening for Business (开张天)
Businesses reopen, and festivities continue. The number 12, symbolizing “double six” (六六大顺), represents smooth success, making 12-year-old boys considered lucky today.
Auspicious Activities: Reopen shops or enjoy outdoor activities like visiting parks.
Avoid: Staying idle at home.
Day 7 (初七): Human Day (人日)
This day celebrates humanity’s creation, as recorded in ancient texts. It is regarded as everyone’s birthday.
Auspicious Activities: Eat longevity noodles and enjoy a fruit salad with seven types of fruits.
Avoid: Scolding children or creating conflicts.
Day 8 (初八): Praying for a Bountiful Harvest
Known as the “Grain Birthday” (谷日), this day honors agriculture. Clear skies predict a prosperous harvest year, while cloudy weather suggests otherwise.
Auspicious Activities: Request red packets from colleagues or make workplace-related prayers.
Avoid: Lending money.
Day 9 (初九): The Jade Emperor’s Birthday (天公诞)
The ninth day marks the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Communities hold grand rituals to pray for health, safety, and prosperity.
Auspicious Activities: Weddings, engagements, and house renovations.
Avoid: Seeking medical treatment or airing laundry.
Day 10 (初十): Stone God’s Birthday (石头神)
To honor the Stone God, people avoid moving or using stone tools. It’s a day filled with symbolic activities.
Auspicious Activities: Hang lanterns to symbolize fertility for those wishing for children.
Avoid: Staying out overnight.
Day 11 (初十一): Son-in-Law’s Day (子婿日)
Traditionally, fathers-in-law host sons-in-law for a meal, reciprocating the visit from Day 2.
Auspicious Activities: Share a meal with your father-in-law.
Avoid: Groundbreaking or heavy cooking.
Day 12 (初十二): Preparing for the Lantern Festival
Preparations for the Lantern Festival begin, including buying lanterns and setting up displays.
Auspicious Activities: Make dumplings and engage in light-hearted celebrations.
Avoid: Using sharp tools like scissors.
Day 13 (初十三): Testing Lanterns
Also called "Lantern Head’s Birthday" (灯头生日), lighting lanterns in the kitchen symbolizes prosperity and harmony.
Auspicious Activities: Offer prayers and perform ancestral rituals.
Avoid: Traveling or attending weddings and funerals.
Day 14 (初十四): Lin Shui Niang Niang’s Birthday
Lin Shui Niang Niang, the guardian deity of women and children, is honored for safe childbirth and family blessings.
Auspicious Activities: Offer prayers for fertility and family well-being.
Avoid: Cutting trees or groundbreaking.
Day 15 (初十五): Lantern Festival (元宵节)
Known as “Shang Yuan Festival,” the Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the year. People enjoy lantern displays, solve riddles, and eat tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), symbolizing family unity.
Auspicious Activities: Take a stroll, join community celebrations, or host weddings.
Avoid: Killing animals, crying, or discarding objects.
Chinese New Year is more than just a festive period; it’s a time to honor traditions, strengthen bonds, and set positive intentions for the year ahead. Each day’s customs serve as a reminder of cultural values and the importance of harmony, family, and prosperity. By understanding these practices, we celebrate and preserve a rich cultural heritage for generations to come.